
Class 
Book. 



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Gop}Tiglit)^?i 



t H 



COPYRIGHT DEFOSIE 



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Capt. Jeffrey Hazard. 



THE 

History of Battery H 



FIRST REGIMENT RHODE ISLAND 
LIGHT ARTILLERY 



IN THE WAR TO PRESERVE THE UNION 
I86l-i86> 



BY 



EARL FENNER /^^'hTh:'' 



^7/. 



^^ wv-V/ 



V 



LLUSTRATED iVITH PORTRAITS 



PROVIDENCE 

Snow & Farxham, Printers 

1S94 



Cu\^ 



0- 



er 






Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1S93 

By earl FENNER 

in the otTice of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. 



So the Survivinfl flDcmbcrs 



BATTERY H 



Our Comrades who Answer to the Roll Call on the 
Other Shore 

THE AUTHOR 

Affectionately Inscribes this Book. 



PREFACE. 



ON the 27th of June, 1S91, a meeting of the 
surviving members of Battery H was called 
in the City of Providence, R. I., and the writer 
was appointed historian, and authorized and em- 
powered to prepare a liistory of the battery. 

Fully realizing the magnitude of such an under- 
taking, and making no pretense of special fitness 
for the task imposed upon him, yet he entered 
upon the work with a determination to make a 
faithful record of every event connected with the 
Battery so far as he was able to do with the mate- 
rials at hand. From daily memoranda kept during 
the entire service of the Battery in the War for 
the Union, and from consultation with reliable 
works relating to the Rebellion, this history has 
been prepared, and to their aid the writer is 
greatly indebted for the accuracy of the work. 

He fully appreciates the kindly services rendered 
by Adjutant-General Elisha Dyer and his assist- 
ants, and valuable material furnished by Captain 



VI HISTORY OF BATTERY H. 

Hazard, Sergeant CheeYer, Corporal Paul and oth- 
ers whose names are not mentioned here, and to 
whom he is under many obligations. 

Trusting that this work will be appreciated by 
those who take an interest in the great struggle 
through which we passed for national existence, 
I shall feel amply repaid if it merits the appro- 
bation of the patriotic citizens of our State and 

country. 

Earl Fenxer. 
October. 1894. 



CONTENTS, 



Chapter I. 



Page. 



Formation of Battery H — Camp Mauran — On to 

Washington — Camp l^arry .... i-io 

Chapter II. 

Camp Barry — Artillery Drill — March to Fairfa.x Sta- 
tion — First Death in the Battery — Union Mills 11-14 

Chapter III. 

Battles of Chancellorsville and Salem Heights — 
Battery H Ordered to Chantilly and Afterwards 
to Fairfax Court House — Return to Camp Barry 
— Picket Duty at Fairfax Seminary — Moved 
to Vicinity of Fort Scott ..... 15-27 

Chapter IV. 

Again in Camp Barry — Batteries Reviewed by Presi- 
dent Lincoln — Battery H Assigned to the Ninth 
Corps ........ 28-34 

Chapter V. 

Battery H with the Ninth Corps Moves towards 
Fairfax Court House — March to the Rapidan — 
Battles of the Wilderness and Spottsylvania — 
Battery Ordered to Washington ... 35-4^ 



Vlll HISTORY OF BATTERY H. 

Chapter VI. 

Page . 

Life at Fort Richardson — Moved to Fort Smith and 
Stationed there — Battery Equipped again and 
sent to City Point ...... 47-52 

Chapter VII. 

Battery H Proceeds to Petersburg and Encamps near 
Fort Tracy — Life in the Trenches — Rebel At- 
tack on Fort Stedman Repulsed . . . 5 3-61 

Chapter VIII. 

Forward Movement of the Army of the Potomac — 
Capture of Petersburg and Richmond — Pursuit 
of Lee's Army — Battle of Sailor's Creek . 62-72 

Chapter IX. 

Pursuit of Lee's Army still continued — Surrender 
of the Army of Northern Virginia at Appo- 
matox Court House — Sixth Corps March to 
Danville 73-84 

Chapter X. 

Return to City Point — March to Richmond — From 
thence to Washington — Returning Homeward — 
Muster-out §5-95 

Memoirs ........ 97-156 

Roster ........ 157-192 

Roster of Temporarily Attached Men . . 193-196 

Mortuary Record ...... 197-199 



LLUSTRATIONS 



Capt. Jeffrey Hazard 

Map of Washington and its Defences 

Lieut. Charles F. INIason 

Brevet Lieut. -Col. Crawford Allen, J 

Lieut. Benjamin F. Child 

First Sergt. George Messinger 

Lieut. Hezekiah Potter 

Capt. Elmer L. Corthell . 

Lieut. George Lewis 

Company Clerk George Messinger 

First Sergt. John P. Campbell 

Corp. Earl Fenner 

Corp. Franklin E. Paul 

Corp. John P. Campbell, 2d 

Horace F. Floyd 

Edwin Northrop 



Page . 

Frontispiece. 

On page 10 
Opposite " 12 
28 
34 
47 
50 
10 

17 
20 

25 
27 
30 
32 
35 
147 



CHAPTER I, 



Formation of Battery H — Camp Mauran — Ox to 
Washington — Camp Barry. 

RHODE ISLAND enjoys the distinction of sending 
to the field in the War of the Rebellion a regiment 
of volunteer light artillery which ranked second to 
none in the service. The State was fortunate in having at 
the commencement of the conflict a battery of light artillery, 
which was widely known for its efihciency throughout the 
length and breadth of the land. It was originally chartered 
as an independent organization in 1801, and was composed 
of seafaring men, the ofihcers being members of the Provi- 
dence Marine Society, from whence its name was derived. 
It was equipped with heavy guns, adapted for coast defence. 
Subsequently muskets were used, and with old style field 
pieces it took part in the expedition to Acote's Hill in 1842. 
In the year 1847 it was equipped as a light battery with four 
guns and caissons, battery wagon and forge. The first 
parade was made at a training on Smith's Hill, in Provi- 
dence, Oct. 17, 1847, and it was known as "flying artillery," 
being the first light battery ever organized in the United States 
ontside the regular army. 



2 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, [May, 

In 1852 it made an excursion to Boston, with four guns, 
battery wagon and forge, and encamped on the Common. By- 
its novel and interesting evolutions of "light artillery," and 
firing six-pounder cannon with rapidity, which had never 
before been witnessed by the people of that city, it so ex- 
cited their wonder and admiration that a movement was 
inaugurated to organize a similar battery there. Accord- 
ingly a delegation of gentlemen was chosen to proceed to 
Providence, who were instructed in the light artillery drill 
by Colonel Balch, of the Marine Artillery. Therefore it is 
justly claimed that this famous corps is not only the mother 
of Rhode Island batteries in the Civil War, but also of Mas- 
sachusetts batteries, and through them of all volunteer light 
artillery. 

From this battery sprang the men who subsequently won 
renown in the light artillery branch of the service during the 
war. Indeed, Governor Sprague himself commanded this 
battery for several years prior to the Rebellion, and had 
spared neither time nor money to raise it to a high standard 
of discipline and efficiency. Is it a marvel, then, that w^hen 
the call to arms resounded through the land, this battery 
furnished from its membership officers and men who were a 
credit to their State and country, and were enabled to send 
at once a battery to the field fully manned and equipped for 
the service. 

On the 13th of September, 1861, Governor Sprague re- 
ceived authority from the War Department to increase the 
number of Rhode Island batteries to eight, the whole to be 
known as the First Regiment Rhode Island Light Artillery. 



iS62.] FIRST R. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. 3 

In May, 1862, although seven batteries had ah-eady been 
furnished for the regiment, yet when one more battery was 
required to complete the number it was promptly recruited 
and forwarded to the seat of war. 

Battery H, First Regiment Rhode Island Light Artillery, 
was organized in the city of Providence, R. I., about the first 
of May, 1862. It was quartered temporarily in Railroad 
Hall, where the men were drilled in marching movements 
until the formation of an artillery camp near Mashapaug 
Pond, Cranston, R. I., whither the battery was subsequently 
ordered. This camp was designated Camp Mauran, in honor 
of Gen. Edward C. Mauran, the adjutant-general of the 
State. 

The first commander of the battery was Capt. Charles H. 
J. Hamlin, who was promoted from the position of quarter- 
master of the regiment. Captain Hamlin assumed command 
of the battery about the sixteenth of May, 1862, while it was 
in Camp Mauran. It recruited here more than four times 
its complement of men, but in consequence of the many 
requisitions from batteries in the field, whose ranks had been 
reduced by the casualties of war, it was deemed necessary 
to furnish them with recruits from this battery, and it was 
only after they were supplied that Battery H was completed 
and permitted to leave the State. 

Sergt. Kirby Steinhauer, of Battery G, was promoted to sec- 
ond lieutenant of Battery H in September, 1862, and imme- 
diately reported for duty. Captain Hamlin resigned his 
commission the latter part of September, and Lieutenant 
Steinhauer assumed command of the battery. While in 



4 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, [Oct.. 

Camp Mauran the men were drilled by Lieutenant Stein- 
haiier, and Sergeants Messinger, Lewis, Sayles, Colwell and 
Carpenter. Sergt. Franklin P. Burlingame was on duty in 
the city of Providence, engaged in recruiting for the battery. 
On the 3d of October, 1862, Lieut. Jeffrey Hazard, of 
Battery A, who had been acting adjutant of the regiment, 
was commissioned captain of Battery H, arrived in camp and 
took command. Shortly after his arrival Captain Hazard 
was ordered by Governor Sprague to proceed to the Dexter 
Training Ground, where the Twelfth Rhode Island Infantry 
was encamped. Trouble was anticipated in regard to the 
bounties promised them by the State. Governor Sprague 
had decided that these bounties should not be paid until the 
arrival of the regiment within the lines of the army in Vir- 
ginia. As a number of recruits from other regiments had 
received the bounty and deserted before arriving at the front, 
the governor took this precautionary measure to prevent 
desertions in the Twelfth. This order caused intense dis- 
satisfaction among the men of this regiment, so much so 
that it threatened to culminate in open mutiny. On reach- 
ing the Training Ground Captain Hazard was ordered by the 
governor to place one gun of his battery at each of the four 
corners of the grounds, presumably with the view of in- 
timidating into submission the soldiers of this regiment. 
This movement only enraged the infantry and made our situ- 
ation extremely unpleasant, having less than fifty men against 
their one thousand. Had a gun been fired it is probable 
that a bloody encounter would have ensued, and it was with 
great difificulty that the guns were retired at the instance of 



^^^^-•1 FIRST R. I, rjGIIT ARTILLERY. 



5 



the governor without a collision, and the battery returned to 
Camp Mauran. 

The roll of the original officers and men attached to the 
battery while in Camp Mauran, comprised the following: 

Captain, 
Jeffrey Hazard. 

First Lieutenant. 
Clement Webster. 

Second Lieutenant. 
KiRBV S. Steinhauer. 

First Sergeant. 

GEOK(iE Messin(;er. 

Quartermaster-Sergeant. 
Jkn'ckeIs B. Steykx.-. 

Sergeants. 
First Duty Sergeant, . . Jacoi; Ix Lewis. 

Second Duty Sergeant, . . Thomas W. Savles. 
Third Duty Sergeant, . . George P. Carpenter. 
Fourth Duty Sergeant, . . Samuel G. Colwell. 

Fifth Duty Sergeant, . . Frank Burling a me. 

Corporals. 
Charles DeWolf Gii5S0n, Ja.mes H. Rhodes, 
EsEK S. Owen, Charles E. Bonn, 

Henry C. Brown, Wellington P. Dolloff, 



HISTORY OF BATTERY H, 



[Oct. 



John P. Campbell, ist, Hiram A. Carey, 

Albert F. Allen, Gilbert Mortimer Thain, 

James C. Engley. 



Charles P. Marsh, 



Buglers. 

Thomas J. Goff. 



Artificers. 

Samuel T. Allen, Thomas Carter. 

Leon Allison. 



Abbott, William 
Albertes, Charles 
Alden, Warner 
Alderwick, George 
Alexander, Henry A. 
Arnold, Gideon W. 
Arnold, Henry N. 
Arnold, Henry O. 
Balcom, Orville 
Bellows, Jay G. 
Bennett, Gardner L. 
Bingham, Joseph 
Booth, James 
BowEN, William J. 
Brady, Henry 
Briggs, Horace C. 
Briggs, Isaac 
Brown, Charles 



Privates. 

Brown, Francis A. 
Brown, George W. 
Brown, William S. 

BUTTERFIELD, FrANCIS H. 

Campbell, James 
Campbell, John P., 2d, 
Carman, Gilbert 
Carman, Solomon 
Carter, Benjamin 
Chace, Lorin R. 
Cheever, Emolus a. 
Conner, Stephen H. 
Copeland, Silas 
Crandall, James B. B. 
Crogan, Michael 
Cross, George G. 
Dawley, Reynolds 
Dee, Charles 



i862.] 



FIRST R. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY, 



Dexey, Emil 
Dickson, William 
Dougherty, Charles 
Drowx, William 
Easterday, Christl\n 
Ellison, Charles E. 
Ellsworth, William 
Farrell, Joseph 
Fenner, Earl 
Ferguson, John 
Fitton, Joseph 
Floyd, Horace F. 
Flynn, Thomas P. 
Foster, Richard 
Fox, Michael 
Gilleland, Alexander 
Gould, Lewis 
Grey, John A. 
Green, Charles 
Grimes, Joseph 
Hall, Henry 
Hall, James 
Hammond, Daniel A. 
Hardon, Rufus p. 
Harris, Edward 
Hart, John 
Hayfield, Isaac F. 
Hayfield, James F. 
HiGGiNS, John 



HixoN, Willard M. 
Howard, Albert 1*2. 
Howard, William E. 
hunnewell, william h. 
IxGRAiiAM, Martin O. 
Jack, Robert 
Jackson, Rowland 
Johnson, Edwin C. 
Jones, William 
Keenan, Patrick 
Knowles, Lucian B. 
Lagenusse, Jules 
Leonard, John 
Lewis, Franklin 
Lovely, Judson 
Maine, Gershom P. 
Mahon, Thomas 
Mahon, William 
Manter, William G. 
Mason, James 
Mathey, P^rnest a. 
Maurin, Patrick 
McAnery, James 
McCan, Barney 
McDonough, James 
McPartland, Matthkw 
Mellor, Willl\.m H. 
Merrill, Asa T. 
Moore, John 



HISTORY OF BATTERY H, 



[Oct. 



Murphy, Bartlett 
Nelson, John 
NoRTHUP, Edwin 
NoYES, Isaac P. 
Paul, Franklin E. 
Peck, Allen G. 
Peck, William 
Phillips, Henry A. 
Phillips, John 
Phillips, Luther A. 
Phinney, Thomas R. 
PiERPONT, Thomas 
Potter, Hezekiah 
Potter, Leonard L. 
Powers, John 
Poyheren, Robert 
Randall, Job 
Reid, Thomas 
Reid, Uriah H. 
Reid, William H. 
Riley, Sylvester 
Rourke, John O. 
Ryan, Cornelius 
Ryan, William 
Sampson, John A. 
Schanck, Aaron B. 
Simmons, Thomas E. 
Smith, Ashael 
Smith, Charles 
Smith, Elisha 



Smith, Erederick A. 
Smith, George H. 
Smith, James 
Smith, John 
Smith, Thomas 
Smith, William H. 
Snell, Otis P. 
Sprague, Charles 
Springer, William H. 
Stringer, Charles S. 
Taylor, Alfred M. 
Taylor, Robert W. 
Thompson, Richard 
Thompson, Robert P. 
Tobias, Michael 
Tracy, George E. 
Trucksaes, Herman E. O. 
True, Elias R. 
Tschamer, Baptiste 
Turner, Andrew 
Varney, Henry C. 
Weiner, T. Felix 
Wellman, Henry A. 
Wells, Albert P. 
White, Reuben G. 
Wilson, Charles 
Wilson, James 
Wilson. James, 2d 
Wood, James 



i862.] FIRST R. I. LIGHT ARTILLKRV. 9 

On the 23d of October, 1862, the battery received orders 
to proceed to Washington, D. C. Preparations were imme- 
diately made to move from Camp Mauran. Marching to the 
raih'oad station in Providence, the battery boarded the cars, 
and the soldiers, after bidding adieu to the relatives and 
friends who had assembled there to witness their departure, 
were soon speeding along on their journey, eager to enter 
upon the untried scenes awaiting them. On arriving in 
New York city a number of recruits for the battery were 
received. Again proceeding on its way, the battery reached 
Washington on the 26th of October, and, until the 2Sth, 
were quartered in the Soldiers' Retreat, when it was ordered 
to proceed to Camp Barry, situated on the Corcoran farm, 
on the Bladensburg road, near the toll gate. 

This camp was established as an artillery camp of instruc- 
tion for all volunteer batteries, for drill and discipline pre- 
paratory for service in the field. Soon after its arrival the 
battery exchanged the James rifled pieces with which it left 
Rhode Island for three-inch ordnance guns. 

In November General IMcClellan was relieved from com- 
mand of the Army of the Potomac, and General Burnside 
reluctantly assumed the position. His career while con- 
nected with its leadership is so well known to every one 
interested in the history of that army, that it. is deemed 
inexpedient to dwell upon it here. ■ The delay in sending 
forward the pontoons with which the army was to cross the 
Rappahannock and the lack of support that General Burn- 
side received from some of his subordinates is attributed the 
disaster of the battle of Fredericksburg. 



lO 



HISTORY OF BATTERY H, 



[Nov., 



At this time Washington was well protected by a cordon 
of forts completely encircling the city. We present here- 
with the accompanying map, which will more fully indicate 
the positions of the several forts than any description we 
might be able to give. 




Washington 

and its 

Defences. 



i862.] FIRST. R I. LIGHT ARTILI.KRV. II 



CHAPTER II 



Camp Barry — Artillery Drill — March to Fairfax 
Station — First Dlath l\ the 15attery — Uxipx 
Mills. 

DURING the fall and winter of 1862-3 the battery 
was chiefly occupied in perfecting itself in drill. 
With other batteries, it frequently went to East 
Capitol Hill and engaged in battalion drill, and became 
quite proficient in light artillery movements. While at 
Camp Barry the battery suffered severely by the desertion 
of the men who had joined it in New York city. Their only 
apparent motive in enlisting was to obtain the bounty which 
was offered them, and then desert on the first opj:)ortunity. 
This was a serious drawback, and greatly impaired the use- 
fulness of the battery. 

Jan. 1st, 1863. This was a red-letter day in our history. 
We moved into new wooden barracks, which had recently 
been constructed. It was an agreeable change to our men 
from the cold and cheerless Sibley tents to the warm and 
comfortable quarters to which we were now assigned. We 
celebrated the event by a grand house-warming in the even- 
ins:. The bill of fare was in marked contrast to what sol- 



12 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, [Jan., 

diers were accustomed to select while serving in the field. 
It consisted of a roast turkey supper with all the fixings. 
Not wishing to share our feast and pleasures alone, we 
invited as our guests the men of the Third New Jersey and 
Second Maine batteries. That occasion will long be remem- 
bered by the participants as a bright epoch in their soldier 
lives. 

While encamped here we often obtained permission to 
visit Washington, and we made good use of our time while 
there. The Capitol was a place of special interest to us, and 
we were accustomed to visit the Senate Chamber and the 
House of Representatives, and hear the lawgivers of our land 
expound the momentous questions of the day. We recall 
the stalwart forms of Sumner and Wilson of Massachusetts, 
Anthony of our own little Rhody, and a score of others well 
known to fame, who stood as beacon lights in that stormy 
period of our nation's history. The White House and 
Treasury Building were visited by us, likewise the Patent 
Ofifice, where our First Rhode Island regiment was quar- 
tered in the spring of 1861, received our attention. What a 
contrast the city presented at that time to the Washington 
of to-day. Then (in 1863) the uncompleted monument of 
the " Father of his Country" was a disgrace to every patri- 
otic citizen. Now that majestic shaft in full completion 
towers above all others in this country, while the public and 
private buildings will vie in splendor and magnitude with 
many of the capitals of the old world. The unpaved 
streets through \Vhich roamed the swine and fowl in the old 
war time days excite the wonder and admiration of the 






m^ 




Lieut. Charles F. Mason. 



1^63.] FIRST K. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. I 3 

visitor at the present time by their well constructed appear- 
ance and cleanly condition. 

January 5th. A mounted drill took place at nine a. m. 
to-day of all the batteries encamped here. Licut.-Col. J. 
Albert Monroe, of our First Rhode Island Light Artillery 
regiment, was present in command. 

January 19th, we received orders to prepare three davs' 
cooked rations. On the following day we marched into 
Washington in a terrific rain-storm. When we arrived on 
Arlington Heights the wheels of the battery sank into the 
mud nearly to the hubs. 

On the 23d we arrived at Fairfa.x Station about noon, and 
went into camp. This was a severe and exhausting march, 
and many of our men became disabled and contracted dis- 
eases from the effects of which they never fully recovered. 

On the 24th our battery was assigned to General Casey's 
division, and attached to the Vermont brigade commanded 
by General Stannard. He was a brave and gentlemanly 
officer, and respected by the entire command. He was com- 
missioned lieutenant-colonel of the Second Vermont Infantry 
in May, i86r, and was in May, 1862, assigned as colonel of 
the Ninth Vermont Infantry ; promoted brigadier-general 
United States Volunteers, March 12, 1863, and brevetted 
major-general United States Volunteers, Oct. 28, 1864. 
General Stannard's prompt movement upon the flank of 
Pickett's division at Gettysburg won for him the strong- 
est commendation of his superiors. He was four times 
wounded, the last time losing an arm in the successful 
assault on Fort Harrison, Sept. 29, 1864. He died in 
W'ashington, June 3, 1886. 



14 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, [Feb., 

February lOth. Bugler Thomas J. Goff died to-day. The 
death of our comrade cast a sadness over us, as it was the 
first that had occurred since our existence as a battery. 

February 12th. The battery was reviewed at two o'clock 
p. M. to-day, by" General Stannard 

February 13th. Private William G. Manter died in camp 
hospital. He was buried in the little graveyard near our 
camp. 

March ist. Sergt. George P. Carpenter and Private John 
Phillips died in company hospital to-day. They were com- 
rades tried and true, and we sorely missed them. 

As we lacked a sufficient number of men to fully man our 
battery, several soldiers were detached from the different 
regiments of the Vermont brigade and sent to us on the 
1 6th of this month. 

March 23d. At seven a. m. the battery received orders to 
proceed with the Vermont brigade to Union Mills, Va. On 
arriving there the right section was ordered on picket on the 
heights overlooking the fording place at Kettle Run Shoals, 
and a detail of men was also sent to man an iron clad car on 
the Orange and Alexandria Railroad, to act as guard at the 
same place. 

April 9th. A severe snow storm set in which continued 
through the day and night, and was particularly trying to 
our men on picket, and a disappointment to the hopes of the 
government. It was the severest storm (so the traditional 
"oldest inhabitant " said) that had visited that section of the 
country fo;- several years. 



1863.] FIRST R. I. LIOIIT ARTILLERY. 1 5 



CHAPTER III 



Battles of Chancellorsville and Salem Heights — 
Battery H Ordered to Chantilly, and After- 
wards TO Fairfax Court House — Return to Camp 
Barry — Picket Duty at Fairfax Seminary — Moved 
TO Vicinity of Fort Scott. 

WHEN Gen. Joseph Hooker was appointed to suc- 
ceed Burnside in command of the Army of the 
Potomac, he made earnest efforts to raise its 
morale and increase its efficiency. In the meantime the 
inclement season and the bad roads prevented any forward 
movement before spring. On the 13th of April General 
Hooker commenced his campaign by sending a force of 
cavalry, with artillery, across the upper fords of the Rappa- 
hannock, and thence to the Rapidan, preparatory to a gen- 
eral advance of the army. A storm and bad roads delayed 
the latter movement until the 27th. On the morning of 
that day the Fifth, Eleventh, and the Twelfth Corps moved 
toward the upper fords, which they reached the next day, 
and crossed on the 29th. Thence they moved to the Rapi- 
dan, and crossed that stream at German ia Ford and another 
some eight or ten miles above its confluence with the Rap- 



1 6 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, [May, 

pahannock. From this stream they advanced to the vicinity 
of Chancellorsville, a village consisting of a single house and 
out-buildings, and here three corps were massed on the 30th. 

On the morning of the ist of May four corps were there 
prepared for an advanced against the enemy. During the 
2d and 3d of May occurred one of the hardest fought battles, 
of the war. The losses on both sides were severe. On the 
T,d and 4tli of May, Sedgwick's Corps of nearly twenty thou- 
sand, fought an ahnost independent battle at Salem Heights, 
near Fredericksburg, about fourteen miles from Hooker's 
position. They fought with determined bravery, but were 
compelled by the presence of a superior force to fall back, 
and recrossed the river in good order. The main body of 
Hooker's army safely recrossed the river on the evening of 
the 5th. When morning revealed to the enemv the move- 
ment, they seemed more content to have it take place, and 
made no attempt to hasten it. The Union army had fought 
three days with about one-third of its numbers against the 
massed forces of the enemy, and though forced to yield some 
ground had repulsed their desperate assaults, and then re- 
turned to its old camps having suffered large losses but not 
seriously weakened. 

May 4th. At the time of the battle of Chancellorsville, 
General Abercrombie ordered the right section under com- 
mand of Captain Hazard^ in connection with the Twelfth 
Vermont regiment of our brigade, to Rappahannock Station 
for the purpose of guarding the river at this point. While 
stationed here Captain Hazard relates that a number of 
negroes came across the river one morning, and the next day 



1863-] FIRST R. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. 1 7 

Hon. John Minor Botts crossed and claimed them as his 
property. He talked with them quite a while and endeav- 
ored to induce them to return with him. This they declined 
to do. Mr. Botts claimed to be a Union man, and said he 
would go to President Lincoln for redress. He also threat- 
ened to use his influence to have his friend, the Hon. John 
J. Crittenden, of Kentucky (who was holding out as a Union 
man), espouse the cause of the Confederacy unless his 
(Botts's) property was returned. His "boys," as he called 
them, were soon scattered and were employed in the army 
or at the north, and were about as free as they were after 
the Emancipation Proclamation. As an instance of the 
financial situation of the Confederacy at that period of the 
Rebellion, Mr. Botts, who wore a pair of cowhide shoes 
at this time, said they cost him twenty-five dollars in Con-' 
federate money, in Richmond. 

While the right section of the battery was with Captain 
Hazard at Rappahannock Station, P^'irst Lieut. George W. 
Blair remained in command of the camp at Union Mills. 
On the 17th of the month the centre section, which was on 
picket guarding the ford at Kettle Run Shoals, was relieved 
by the left section. 

At ten o'clock on the morning of the 20th the battery 
received marching orders and left Union Mills for Chantilly, 
near Centreville, arriving there about one p. m., and going 
into park near the Twenty-fifth and Twenty-seventh Maine 
regiments of infantry. 

On the 24th many of the members of the battery availed 
themselves of the privilege of visiting the old Chantilly bat- 
tlefield. 



1 8 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, [June. 

May 26th. The sound of artillery firing was heard in the 
direction of Brownsville, causing our battery to be held in 
readiness to move at a moment's notice. 

May 29th. The long roll awakened us from our slumbers, 
and " boots and saddles " call was sounded. The battery 
was hitched up and ready to move in eight minutes. We 
anticipated an attack of the rebels on our picket line. If 
they had come upon us then they would have found con- 
fronting them the Twenty-fifth and Twenty-seventh Maine 
regiments (each eleven hundred strong), and, with the Elev- 
enth Massachusetts Battery and our own battery, they would 
have met with a warm reception, as the night was very dark 
and we had the advantage of a good position. 

June 7th. Reviewed at ten a. m. by Gen. Alfred Pleason- 
• ton. 

June 1 2th. While the battery was drilling in rapid move- 
ments, this forenoon, one of our attached men, Private John 
D. White, of Company D, Sixteenth Vermont Infantry, met 
with a painful accident. In mounting, and while throwing 
his right leg over the back of his horse his left foot slipped 
from the stirrup, throwing him on the pummel of his saddle 
and causing a severe rupture. He remained in camp a week 
or more, and was then sent to the post hospital, at Camp 
Barry, and remained there until the muster out of his regi- 
ment. 

It being the plan of the rebel General Lee to attempt an 
invasion of the northern States, he at once set his troops in 
motion and did not meet with any serious obstacle to his 
progress until Gettysburg was reached, which we will notice 
further on. 



iS^'^S-] FIRST R. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. 1 9 

On June 15th the battery witnessed the passage by its 
camp of the Eleventh, Twelfth, Second and Third Corps of 
the Army of the Potomac, on their way to intercept the rebel 
army, which was moving on Gettysburg. On this date 
Private Earl Fenner was ordered on special duty to carry 
dispatches to the commanding general of the Army of the 
Potomac. On his return he narrowly escaped capture by 
Mosby's guerillas. 

June 17th. We can hear distant cannonading in the di- 
rection of Aldie Gap. We learn that our forces are having 
quite a brush with the enemy. A large body of our troops 
are concentrating at Fairfax Court House, awaiting orders 
to move toward Gettysburg. A number of rebel prisoners 
passed our camp to-day under guard. Their brown butter- 
nut uniforms and slpuch hats indicated that they hailed from 
North Carolina. 

June 25th. The battery received orders to leave camp at 
Chantilly this morning at eight a. m., and proceed to Fairfax 
Court House, and report to Brig.-Gen. Henry J. Hunt, who 
had command of the Reserve Artillery of the Army of the 
Potomac. On our arrival there. Captain Hazard reported to 
General Hunt that the term of service of the attached men 
assigned from the Vermont brigade to our battery would 
expire on or about July loth. The general, having more 
artillery than he needed, and noting the deficiency in the 
number of men in our battery, ordered Captain Hazard to 
report to Gen. William F. Barry, Chief of Artillery in the 
vicinity of Washington. Thus, owing to the depleted con- 
dition of the battery, we were not permitted to share with 



20 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, [June, 

our sister batteries from our State in the honor of parti- 
cipating in the mighty struggle at Gettysburg a few days 
later, which shed so bright a lustre on the fame of the light 
artillery that Rhode Island furnished to the armies of the 
Union. 

In accordance with the instructions from General Hunt 
our battery marched to Arlington Heights, camping outside 
of the intrenchments near Anandale Court House. About 
midnight an officer on General Barry's staff directed Cap- 
tain Hazard to withdraw his battery inside of the intrench- 
ments, as there were no infantry troops to support us should 
the enemy appear in force. Accordingly we hitched up and 
shortly afterward moved within the intrenchments. 

At eight o'clock on the morning of the 26th we left Ar- 
lington Heights and marched to Camp Barry. 

June 28th. Our battery was again ordered to march, and, 
at eight p. m., left Camp Barry for Fairfax Seminary, pass- 
ing through Washington, going over Long Bridge to Alex- 
andria, Va., and from thence to Fairfax Seminary. On ar- 
riving in the vicinity of the Seminary a soldier on picket, 
from a New York regiment, fired upon our battery, mistak- 
ing us for the enemy. We then took position near Fort 
Ward, coming into action front, running our guns out of the 
embrasures and in line with the breastworks. As an attack 
was expected there our cannoneers remained at their posts 
till reveille the next morning. Captain Hazard reported with 
his command to Col. H. L. Abbott, of the First Connecticut 
Heavy Artillery, commanding the Third Brigade, Defenses 
South of the Potomac. 



'^^3-1 FIRST R. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. 2 1 

General Hooker ascertained that Lee's army instead of 
threatening to attack him in front of Washington, had 
crossed the Potomac into Maryland. He accordingly made 
a similar movement, crossing between Harper's Ferry and 
the capital. The 27th of June found the greater portion of 
his forces in the vicinity of Frederick. When nearing this 
place an order was received relieving him of the command 
of the Army of the Potomac, and appointing in his place 
Maj.-Gen. George G. Meade. Considerable astonishment 
was manifested among the army and the people at this un- 
expected change. It was subsequently stated that General 
Hooker was relieved at his own request, some of his plans 
not meeting with the approval of those in authority. He 
declared in his orders he felt that his usefulness was im- 
paired, and he relinquished the command with regret at part- 
ing from his brave comrades, especially at this time when 
they were moving to drive the invaders from the loyal States. 
General Meade, upon whom this unsolicited and unexpected 
honor and responsibility was conferred, had been identified 
with the army from its organization, and had proved himself 
an able and competent officer. On the same day that he as- 
sumed command he issued orders for the movement of the 
army, rendered necessary in order to checkmate the opera- 
tions of the Confederates. 

On the 29th the position of our battery is thus defined by 
Colonel Abbott, commanding our brigade, in his report of 
affairs on Little River Turnpike, where our pickets were es- 
tablished. He says : 
* "I have the honor to report that the enemy have been re- 



2 2 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, [June, 

connoitering on the Little River Turnpike, just in front of 
oiu' pickets, both last night and to-day. On the first occa- 
sion three men put to flight a whole company of the One 
Hundred and Seventy-eighth New York (infantry), although 
the only demonstration (the Confederates) made was to re- 
treat on being challenged by the pickets. On the second 
two armed men shot a civilian and drove two others into our 
lines in sight of our pickets. 

"Fort Worth is too high to command this road by night 
by artillery fire, and my infantry is too bad to be trusted to 
protect even a section of the light artillery there, where there 
is no retreat for it from cavalry. 

" I have ridden over the position this morning, and would 
respectfully suggest that the Twenty-fifth Maine regiment, 
now near my right, be placed where this company now is, to 
hold the road, and cover a section of my battery (Hazard's) 
tonight. 

" After due examination I have decided, unless more force 
is available, to put the whole battery in position in the rifle- 
pits, between Forts Worth and Ward, covered by three com- 
panies of the One Hundred and Seventy-eighth New York 
infantry, with orders to hold the Leesburg Turnpike, and 
await further developments in case of an attack to-night. 

" I cannot hold the Little River Turnpike without more in- 
fantry. If the rebels pass Fort Worth on it, they ought to 
be stopped by the forces near Alexandria; if they then turn 
up on the Seminary plateau the light battery is ready to pre- 
vent their attacking our line in rear in that vicinity, and the 
convalescent men ought to hold their own camp. Their 
raid will thus do little good to them. 



1S63.J FIRST R. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. 23 

" If I try to block the Little River pike, I fear I shall lose 
my guns to no purpose." 

Let us pause for awhile to observe the movements of the 
Union and Confederate armies now approaching Gettys- 
burg, the county seat of Adams County, Pennsylvania, and 
eight or ten miles north of the Maryland line, and about 
forty miles north of Frederick, from which place the Federal 
army moved. On the evening of June 30th the Federal 
cavalry advance reached Gettysburg, passed through the 
village and encamped on the northerly side. On the follow- 
ing morning a deadly encounter took place between the Union 
and Confederate forces, which resulted in the success of the 
troops of the enemy and in the withdrawal of the Union 
forces to Cemetery Hill, which lies nearly south of Gettys- 
burg, and derives its name from a cemetery which crowns 
its summit. Here our troops encamped for the night, throw- 
ing up breastworks along the whole front, the artillery well 
posted, and the positions on Cemetery Hill and Gulp's Hill 
(to the right) were made exceedingly strong. 

On the morning of July 2d, General Meade arrived on the 
field, and determined to fight a defensive battle. The Fed- 
eral line was an irregular semi-circle, the centre of which 
was Cemetery Hill, fronting the village, and thence running 
on the left southwest along the ridge fronting the Emmits- 
burg road, to the hill called Round Top ; and on the right 
running nearly south over Gulp's Hill, and along the ridge 
fronting Rock Creek to the Baltimore Turnpike. The rebels 
furiously attacked our lines, and the result of the second 
day's battle was the gain of some half a mile of ground 



24 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, [J"ly, 

where the Third Corps had been forced back, and the occu- 
pation of the extreme right of the Federal works. The 
gain of the Confederates on the left was at a heavy cost, the 
Union lines being in a stronger position than the day before. 

The next day, the 3d, preparations were made to dislodge 
the enemy on our right. Our troops advanced at that point, 
and drove the entire force of the enemy out, and the P'ed- 
eral line was re-established as on the previous day, the reb- 
els also returning to their former positions. While this en- 
gagement was transpiring on the right, it was comparatively 
quiet along the other parts of the line except the usual desul- 
tory picket firing. 

At one o'clock a desperate charge on the Union lines at 
Cemetery Hill was made by the rebels, composed of a 
division of Longstreet's corps under Pickett, which led the 
attack supported by other troops from Longstreet's and 
Hill's corps. Says Longstreet : "The signal gun broke 
the prevailing stillness, and immediately 150 Confederate 
cannon burst into a deafening roar, which was answered by 
a thunder almost as great from the Federal side." The 
attack was gallantly made and the struggle fierce, but the 
picked troops of the rebel army were finally routed, and thus 
ended one of the greatest battles of modern times, which 
resulted in a glorious victory to the Union arms and turned 
the tide of rebel invasion, hurling Lee's army back into 
Virerinia, discomfited and disheartened. 

We will now return to the Department of Washington, 
which was under the command of Maj.-Gen. Samuel P. 
Heintzelman, with Brig.-Gen. Gustavus A. De Russy com- 



1863.] FIRST R. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. 2$ 

manding defenses south of the Potomac, in which the brig- 
ade under Col. Henry L. Abbott formed a part. Battery H 
was attached to this brigade. 

At three o'clock on the morning of July 2d, long roll was 
sounded. Our battery occupied the breastworks near Fort 
Ward, and remained in that position until reveille. 

July 6th. At ten a. m. a review took place of the entire 
Twenty-second Corps by Generals Casey and De Russy. 
Our battery is assigned to the First Brigade, Third Division 
of the corps. 

July ,ioth. The attached men from the Vermont regi- 
ments, who have served with the battery since last March, 
left us to-day. Their term of service has expired and they 
are about returning to their regiments to be mustered out. 
They are good soldiers and we part from them with sorrow. 

July 1 6th. Our battery was inspected to-day by Capt. 
John G. Hazard, Chief of Artillery on General De Russy's 
staff. 

July i8th. The paymaster arrived in camp and we received 
two months' pay, which was very welcome. While in camp 
here the several sections of the battery were drilled by the 
bugle call by First Lieut. Charles F. Mason, he also acting 
as bugler. First Sergt. Charles E. Bonn also assisted in 
drilling the battery. 

August 6th. We find on this date only twenty-seven men 
fit for duty in camp, a large number being sick with chills 
and fever. 

August 17th. Capt. Jeffrey Hazard, our battery com- 
mander, took his departure, having tendered his resignation 



26 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, [Sept., 

from the service. He bade us "good bye" at retreat roll 
call and started for Rhode Island. Captain Hazard was a 
skillful and efficient officer, loved and respected by his men. 
While in command of the battery he brought it to a high 
state of proficiency in drill and discipline. Upon the resig- 
nation of Captain Hazard First Lieut. Charles F. Mason 
assumed command of the battery. He was a brave and 
accomplished soldier, having previously served with Captain 
Hazard in Battery A, First Rhode Island Light Artillery. 
At the battle of Antietam both of these officers, then lieu- 
tenants in that battery, after many of their number had 
been killed or wounded, bravely worked the guns for the 
want of men. 

August 30th, Our battery was inspected by Colonel 
Abbott, commanding Third Brigade, Twenty-second Army 
Corps, of the forces south of the Potomac. 

August 31st. At 12.30 A M. we bade farewell to our old 
camp at Fairfax Seminary and marched to Fort Scott, going 
into park in that vicinity. 

September ist. Moved our camp to higher land and 
nearer Fort Scott. Farrier George W. Tracy died to-day in 
hospital at Fairfax Seminary. 

September 12th. Again the welcome paymaster appeared 
in camp. We signed the rolls and received two months' 
pay. 

September 30th. First Lieut. Crawford Allen, Jr., of Bat- 
tery G, First Rhode Island Light Artillery, has been promoted 
to the command of our battery. Captain Allen came to us 
with a record of sood service in the field. He was com- 



1S63.] FIRST R. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. 27 

missioned second lieutenant in Battery G, First Rhode 
Island Light Artillery, Nov. 7, 1861, and on the i8th of 
November, in the following year, was promoted to first lieu- 
tenant. He participated with his battery in the Peninsular 
campaign, and in the battles of Antietam and the first and 
second Fredericksburg. In the latter engagement. May 2d, 
1863, Captain Allen was slightly wounded. He was subse- 
quently made adjutant of his regiment and acting adjutant- 
general of the artillery brigade of the Si.\th Army Corps, 
which positions he continued to hold until he was promoted 
to the captaincy of Battery H, to fill the vacancy occasioned 
by the resignation of Captain Hazard. 

October 14th. We heard the sound of artillery firing in 
the direction of Thoroughfare Gap, caused by a skirmish of 
our troops with Gen. Fitz Hugh Lee's cavalry. Our battery 
was ordered to hold itself in readiness to move at a moment's 
notice. 

October i8th. The battery was reviewed by Colonel 
Abbott, commanding our brigade. 

October 20th. Captain Peirce, Chief of Artillery on the 
staff of General De Russy, inspected our battery to-day. 

November iSth. Private Andrew Turner, who had gone 
to his home in Hope Village on a sick furlough, died in that 
place on this date. 

November 17th. The battery was reviewed by Gen. Wil- 
liam F. Barry, chief of artillery. 



28 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, [Nov 



CHAPTER IV. 



Again in Camp Barry — Batteries Reviewed by Presi- 
dent Lincoln — Battery H Assigned to the Ninth 
Army Corps. 

ON the 22d of November our battery was ordered to 
proceed to our old camping ground, Camp Barry, on 
the Bladensburg Road, in the vicinity of Washing- 
ton. We moved at two p. m. from Fort Scott, passing 
through Washington to Camp Barry, and occupied the old 
barracks that we had dedicated on January ist. As this 
was the Sabbath, and as we observed the worshipers return- 
ing from church, it brought vividly to our minds the scenes 
we were accustomed to witness in our far-away northern 
homes, and of the privileges we had been deprived since 
we "donned the blue " and set forth to defend the Union 
established by our fathers. 

A little more than a year ago we had first encamped on 
this familiar ground, and although our battery had not suf- 
fered from the casualties of direct conflict with the enemy, 
yet we mourned the loss of several tried comrades who had 
succumbed to disease and lay buried near the little chapel at 
Fairfax Station, while others who could not withstand the 





Brevet Lieut. -Col. Crawford Allen, Jr. 



1S63.] FIRST. R 1. LIGHT ARTILLERY. 29 

hardships and exposures incident to a soldier's life had been 
discharged from the service for disability, and had returned 
to their homes with shattered constitutions, the result of 
disease contracted in the army. Besides, we had lost many 
by desertion. The men who enlisted in New York had no 
intention of exposing their worthless bodies to rebel shot or 
bullet, and such recruits were a dead loss to the government. 
We record with great satisfaction the fact that but very few 
of these deserters were men who had enlisted in Rhode 
Island. Now that we had been rid of these worthless and 
unprofitable soldiers, those that remained in Camp Barry 
were comrades whom we had learned to respect and trust, 
and with whom we were still further to share the vicissitudes 
of a soldier's career. 

We found on our arrival at Camp Barry that Lieut. -Col 
J. Albert Monroe, who had formerly been in command of 
the camp, had gone to the front and had been promoted to 
chief of artillery commanding the artillery brigade of the 
Second Corps. He had been relieved by Lieut.-Col. James 
A. Hall. 

December ist. A battalion drill of the batteries stationed 
here took place on East Capitol Hill. The troops consisted 
of the First Pennsylvania, Seventh Massachusetts, Second 
Connecticut, Second Maine, Thirty-third New York, Nine- 
teenth New York, Fourth and Fifth New Jersey, and Battery 
H, First Rhode Island, All of these were light batteries 
under command of Major Hall. 

December 15th. There was a grand review of the several 
batteries encamped here before President Lincoln and Cabi- 



30 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, [Jan.. 

net and General Barry and Staff. The following batteries 
took part : First Pennsylvania, Second Connecticut, Second 
Maine, Thirty-third New York, Nineteenth New York, Fifth 
New Jersey, Fourth New Jersey, and Battery H, First Rhode 
Island Light Artillery. To our battery was accorded the 
honor of firing a salute upon the arrival of President Lincoln 
and party at the reviewing stand. 

It was an inspiring scene, and we were grateful for the 
privilege of observing our good president, Abraham Lincoln, 
a man providentially raised up to lead our nation through the 
trials and difficulties through which we passed in our late 
civil conflict. Surely no other man in our times had such a 
tremendous burden of responsibility thrust upon him. How 
patiently and uncomplainingly he bore himself during all 
those years of war is fully recorded by the historian and well 
known to all. 

December 23d. At eleven a. m. a review occurred before 
Gen. William F. Barry, participated in by all the batteries in 
camp. It took place on East Capitol flill, in rear of Lincoln 
Hospital. 

December 31st. We find on this date that our battery is 
incorporated in the Twenty-second Army Corps, commanded 
by Maj.-Gen. Christopher G. Augur, and that Lieut. -Col- 
James A. Hall is in command of our Light Artillery Camp 
of Instruction. 

January ist, 1864. The battery repeated to-day nearly the 
same order of exercises which occurred here just one year 
ago. We moved into new and more commodious barracks 
than those we had formerly occupied. In the evening a 



1S64.I FIRST R. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. 



31 



turkey supper was provided, and we invited the soldiers ot\ 
the Third New Jersey and Second Maine batteries to be our 
guests. After supper, in the absence of the fair sex the 
comrades arranged what is known among old soldiers as a 
"stag dance." This is a dance with the ladies left out. 
The comrades who personated the ladies were distinguished 
from their partners by white handkerchiefs tied on their 
right arms. And now the fun began. A grand march was 
the first in order, and then came the ball, which consisted of 
the following programme : Quadrille, Lanciers, Cotillion, 
Spanish Quadrille, Portland Fancy, followed by an old-fash- 
ioned Irish Break Down (with no broken heads, however). 
The entertainment continued until two o'clock the next 
morning, and was thoroughly enjoyed by all present. 

February 5th. The following recruits came to the battery 
today : Edward Sweeney, William H. Stone, Thomas J. 
Lofts, Charles E. Millard and Josiah Sheffield. 

February 12th. A grand review of all the batteries in 
camp took place to-day on East Capitol Hill. On returning 
to camp we learned that Private Henry N. Arnold had taken 
poison. The surgeons in charge were called to attend him, 
but he was beyond all help and died in great agony at four 
p. M. What prompted Comrade Arnold to commit this rash 
deed we never learned. His father came and conveyed his 
remains to Warwick, R. I., where they were interred in the 
family cemetery. 

February 15th. The following recruits came to us: 
Charles Tweedale, ApoUos Seekell, Hurbert Ochee, Franklin 
W. Dawley and George A. Williams. 



32 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, [April, 

February 21st. A number of the men attended Divine 
service in Washington. In the evening our battery held 
services in the barracks. A clergyman from Washington, 
of the Free Will Baptist denomination, conducted the exer- 
cises. 

March 3d. We had a grand review before President Lin- 
coln and Cabinet on East Capitol Hill to-day, all the batteries 
encamped here participating. As on a previous occasion, 
Battery H was privileged to fire the salute on the arrival at 
the grand stand of the Presidential party, an honor we 
greatly appreciated. General Barry and staff and a large 
concourse of spectators also witnessed the ceremony. 

March 14th. The battery was reviewed on East Capitol 
Hill by Gen. A. P. Howe. 

Sunday, March 20th. Mounted inspection at ten a. m. 
Divine service was held in our barracks in the evening, led 
by a clergyman from the city. 

April loth. Mounted inspection to-day at ten a. m. The 
battery has at last received marching orders, and we expect 
to join the Ninth Army Corps, commanded by Gen. Ambrose 
E. Burnside, when it arrives from Annapolis. This news 
was joyfully received by us, as we had become weary of the 
seeming inactivity of camp life and longed for more active 
duties in the field. 

April 24th. Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside and Rev. Augus- 
tus Woodbury, late chaplain of the First Rhode Island 
Infantry, visited us to-day and received a soldier's welcome. 
We have now received orders to join the old Ninth Army 
Corps. We are proud of being attached to this gallant 



i«64.] FIRST R. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. 



00 



corps, commanded by the loved and esteemed Burnside, 
Rhode Island's foremost soldier. This corps since its transfer" 
from the West has been reorganized at Annapolis, and now 
numbers nearly twenty-five thousand men. It is composed 
of four divisions, three of white and one of colored troops. 
It has been well designated as " Burnside's Geography 
Class," for its tattered banners bear the inscriptions of 
battles in six states in which it has participated. Its history 
began in 1861, and was then known as " Burnside's Coast 
Division," and won substantial victories for the Union cause 
in North Carolina It was afterwards reenforced by large 
accessions of regiments to its force, and was then organ- 
ized into what is now designated as the Ninth Corps. 
After the transfer of the larger portion of the corps to the 
Army of the Potomac it was joined by a division from Port 
Royal under command of Gen. Isaac I. Stevens. It fought 
with great bravery at Chantilly, South Mountain, Antietam, 
and Fredericksburg, and when General Burnside was placed 
in command of the Department of the Ohio, the Ninth Corps 
was assigned to that department. It was subsequently dis- 
patched to the assistance of General Grant at Vicksburg. 
It arrived at General Grant's lines on the 14th, and was 
immediately employed in protecting the besieging forces 
from any hostile demonstrations in their rear. With other 
troops it kept the rebel General Johnston at bay, forced him 
back and drove him beyond Jackson, and then returned to 
Vicksburg. Its presence assured the successful termination 
of the siege. It was afterwards ordered to Annapolis, as we 
3 



34 HISTORY OF BATTERY H [April. 

have already mentioned, and is now about to enter another 
field of action. 

On the 23d of April, 1864, the Ninth Corps marched from 
Annapolis and proceeded to Washington, encamping on the 
Bladensburg Road about six miles from the city, on the night 
of the 24th. The next day, as it passed our camp at eleven 
A. M. on its way to Washington, Battery H joined the col- 
umn and moved to its position, it being assigned to the First 
Brigade of the First Division. Our division commander was 
Gen. Thomas G. Stevenson ; our brigade commander, Col. 
Sumner Carruth. On its arrival in the city the corps 
marched down Fourteenth Street and passed in review 
before President Lincoln, General Burnside, and a number 
of civil and military dignitaries. The colored division, under 
General Ferrero, was the first body of colored troops that 
had marched through Washington, and they appeared to 
great advantage, President Lincoln acknowledging their 
cheers with great respect and courtesy. The corps crossed 
Long Bridge and went into camp near Alexandria. 




Lieut. Benjamin H. Child. 



1S64.] FIRST R. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. 35 



CHAPTER V. 



Battery H with the Ninth Corps Moves towards 
Fairfax Court House — March to the Rapidan — 
Battles of the Wilderness and Spottsylyania — 
Battery Ordered to Washington — Fort Richard- 
son. 

AS our battery had now joined its fortunes for a time 
with a corps that had won a well-earned reputation 
for valor shown on many hard contested fields, it 
was but natural we should realize that we were leaving 
behind us the comparative quiet of a defensive position to 
enter upon the more exciting scenes of aggressive warfare. 
What the future had in store for us we could only conjec- 
ture, but we were desirous of performing our share of labor 
and privation if we could but hasten the final overthrow of 
the fratricidal strife now waging so fiercely in our land. 

April 27th. At eight a. m. the battery moved with the 
corps on the road towards Fairfax Court House. Our divi- 
sion led the advance. Camped that night at the above 
named place. 

April 28th. Marched to Bristoe Station, arriving there at 
eight p. M., and encamped for the night. 



36 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, [May, 

April 29th. At seven a. m. moved with our brigade and 
division to Catletts' Station ; reached there about two p. m. 
First Sergt. Charles E. Bonn left us today, he having 
received a commission as second lieutenant in Battery D, 
First Rhode Island Light Artillery, We bade him "good 
bye" with regret, as he had proved himself an efficient 
soldier and worthy comrade. 

May I St. No forward movement of our corps this beau- 
tiful Sabbath day, and we are enjoying ourselves by remain- 
ing quiet in camp. In the night a severe rain storm came 
on, which made our situation anything but agreeable, and 
was a strange contrast to the earlier part of the day. 

May 2d. We received to-day twenty-five attached men 
from the Fourteenth New York Heavy Artillery. It was a 
welcome accession as our battery was greatly reduced in 
numbers. One of the Fourteenth shot himself severely in 
the hand, which will probably disable him for future service 
in the army. 

May 4th. Moved at 7.30 a. m. Our battery and brigade 
took the advance. Marched as far as Brandy Station, where, 
after a brief halt, we again started on our way toward 
Rappahannock Station, and encamped on the same ground 
occupied by our right section one year ago, when it was 
performing picket duty on the Rappahannock River. 

May 5th. Moved at 5.45 a. m. and crossed the Rapidan. 
The Army of the Potomac was now about to begin a cam- 
paign which was to finally result in crushing out the Rebel- 
lion. Upon the advance of the army soon after midnight, 
May 3d and 4th, from its position north of the Rapidan, the 



i^''H-] first R. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. 37 

Ninth Corps, which had been guarding the Orange and Alex- 
andria Raih-oad from Bull Run moved forward to preserve 
control of it in case the crossing of the Union army should 
be long delayed. On receiving word that the army had 
safely crossed the Rapidan, Burnside moved across with his 
corps and found our troops hotly engaged with the enemy. 
And now began the sanguinary battle of the Wilderness. 
The country into which the Union army had advanced was 
heavily wooded and covered with dwarf pines, cedars and 
scrub oaks, and presented serious obstacles for the move- 
ment of infantry, while it was wholly unfit for the use of 
cavalry or artillery. Our battery encamped that night near 
the Rapidan, and we were ordered to hold ourselves in 
readiness to move at a moment's notice. 

On the morning of the 6th of May Hancock with his corps 
was ordered by General Grant to make an assault in his 
front at five o'clock. General Burnside, who was approach- 
ing with his two divisions (the other, the colored division, 
having been sent to guard the wagon train,) was directed to 
move in between Wadsworth'.s division of Warren's corps, 
which was on the right of Hancock, and the remainder of 
Warren's corps, which was still further to the right. Burn- 
side was ordered, if he should succeed in breaking the 
enemy's centre, to swing around to the left and envelop the 
right of Lee's army. He arrived at the Wilderness Tavern 
at 6.50 A. M., and at that time was directed to send a division 
to the support of Hancock, but to continue with the remain- 
der of his command in the execution of his previous order. 
Burnside had great difficulty in making his way through the 



38 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, [May, 

dense forests which retarded his progress, but he finally 
succeeded in getting into the position assigned him. 

Our battery marched at four a. m. to near Chancellors- 
ville, where we heard heavy firing at the front. As we 
approached the Wilderness we passed many of the wounded 
going to the rear. We moved towards Yellow Pine Church 
and joined the artillery reserve of the Ninth Corps, com- 
manded by Capt. John Edwards, Jr. Here we saw our 
infantry charging and driving the enemy across Mine Run. 
The Confederates reformed charged in return, forcing our 
troops back, to be driven themselves again in turn. This 
was repeated three times until our men finally held the 
ground and the enemy retired. The battery went into 
position near Yellow Pine Church, well advanced, remaining 
in position till nearly dark, then changed position and moved 
to the left and halted near Chancellorsville. After a brief 
stay here we marched a few miles and halted in the vicinity 
of Marysville, remaining in the saddle all night. We learned 
that our troops had taken 2,000 prisoners and forty-two 
pieces of artillery during the day. Thus ended the battle of 
the Wilderness. Our losses were severe. Those of the 
enemy were even more so. 

On the evening of May 7th the army commenced its 
march towards Spottsylvania Court House. General Grant's 
object in moving to this place was to prevent Lee from 
returning to Richmond in time to attempt to crush Butler, 
who was at City Point. By accident Lee obtained posses- 
sion of Spottsylvania before our troops arrived. He had 
ordered Longstreet's corps, now commanded by Anderson, 



i^^'h-] first K. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. 39 

to move in the morning (the 8th), but the woods being still 
on fire Anderson could not go into bivouac and marched 
directly to Spottsylvania that night. Some fortifications had 
already been thrown up here, and the Confederates imme- 
diately began to extend them, while a force was sent out to 
delay the advance of the Federal army. General Warren's 
corps, after marching all night, reached a point about three 
miles from Spottsylvania Court House early Sunday morn- 
ing, May 8th. As General Warren's trqops advanced the 
enemy's artillery commenced to throw shells at it, but their 
cavalry and infantry fell back without offering much resist- 
ance. It soon appeared that they had selected a better 
position for battle. As the Union troops reached a large 
clearing the artillery of the rebels was found posted 
there with infantry supports Beyond these was other 
infantry supports. General Warren immediately made 
preparations for battle. The Union troops were soon en- 
gaged and an obstinate combat ensued. The losses were 
large and many officers fell, -and regiments that went into 
the contest two or three hundred strong returned with a 
mere handful of men. General Warren, however, steadily 
gained ground in spite of the efforts of the enemy to drive 
him back, and in the afternoon, being reinforced by a brig- 
ade from General Sedgwick's corps, he succeeded in driving 
the enemy back to their intrenched line. The battle then 
ceased till the other corps should arrive and get into posi- 
tion. On the morning of May 7th, we find Battery H mov- 
ing towards Mary's Cross Roads, where it halted and awaited 
orders. 



40 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, [May. 

May 8th, the battery marched at seven a. m., crossed the 
Po River and halted near Spottsylvania Court House. We 
could hear heavy cannonading on our extreme front. 

On the 9th Battery H occupied the same position as the 
day before, opposite the court house. It was a great boon 
to our men to be allowed to obtain some needed rest, as they 
were very tired, and our horses had not been unharnessed 
for three days and nights. Most of this day was occupied 
by the Federal troops (nearly all of which arrived during the 
night and on that morning) in manoeuvring to obtain good 
positions for further operations and in throwing up breast- 
works. It was while posting his forces and superintending 
the mounting of some artillery that the intrepid commander 
of the Sixth Corps, the lamented Sedgwick, was killed by 
one of the sharpshooters of the enemy. He was remon- 
strated with for exposing himself unnecessarily, for the bul- 
lets were whizzing through the air uncomfortably close to 
those standing near the general. "Why," said Sedgwick, 
"they cannot hit an elephant at this distance." Hardly 
had these words been uttered when the bullet of the sharp- 
shooter struck him, and he fell into the arms of his attend- 
ant officer. He was one of the ablest soldiers in the army. 
He was modest, manly and courageous. General Grant 
says of him : " His loss was a severe one to the Army of 
the Potomac and to the nation." He was beloved by the 
soldiers of the Sixth Corps, who regarded him as a father. 

May loth. At ten a. m. the march of our battery was 
reversed to Mary's Cross Roads. Marched a few miles and 
camped for the night. We found the roads very muddy. 



1S64.] FIRST R. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. 4 1 

Our base of supplies having been chan<;ed to Aquia Creek, 
we were ordered to join General Abercrombie's forces at that 
place. 

We learn that in the fight at Spottsylvania to-day the 
commander of our division in the Ninth Corps, Brig.-Gen. 
Thomas G. Stevenson, was killed. He was a brave and 
fearless soldier. Woodbury, in his Biiruside and the Ninth 
Corps, says of him : " But the Ninth Corps suffered a severe 
loss in the death of General Stevenson, the commander of 
the First Division. He was killed early in the day by one 
of the enemy's riflemen, while near his headquarters." He 
further says : "He was the son of Hon. J. Thomas Steven- 
son (of Boston), well known as an able lawyer and a saga- 
cious man of affairs. He was educated in the best schools 
of Boston, and at an early age he entered the counting-room 
of one of the most active merchants of that city. There by 
his faithfulness in duty, his promptness, and his generosity 
of disposition, he secured the entire confidence and love of 
his principal and the high esteem of the business commu- 
nity, and a brilliant commercial career opened before him. 
But when his country called him he could not neglect her 
summons. The parting words of his father to himself and 
his younger brother when they left home for the field well 
express the appreciation in which his domestic virtues were 
held : ' Be as good soldiers as you have been sons. Your 
country can ask no more than that of you, and God will bless 
you.' 

."In the spring of 1861 he was orderly sergeant of the 
New England Guards, and, upon the formation of the Fourth 



42 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, [May, 

battalion of Massachusetts infantry he was chosen captain 
of one of its companies. On the 25th of April the battalion 
was sent to garrison Fort Independence, in Boston Harbor, 
and, on the 4th of May, Captain Stevenson was promoted to 
the rank of major. In this position he was distinguished 
for an excellent faculty for discipline and organization, which 
were subsequently of great benefit to him. On the first of 
August he received authority to raise and organize a regi- 
ment of infantry for a term of three years, and on the 7th of 
September he went into camp at Readville with twenty men. 
On the 9th of December he left the State of Massachusetts 
with the Twenty-fourth regiment — one of the finest and best 
drilled, organized, equipped and disciplined body of troops 
that Massachusetts had yet sent to the war. His regiment 
was assigned to General Foster's brigade in the North Caro- 
lina expedition, and he soon gained the respect and friend- 
ship of his superior officers. 

"The conduct of the Twenty-fourth regiment and its com- 
mander in North Carolina has already been made a matter 
of record. When Colonel Stevenson was assigned to the 
command of a brigade, in April, 1862, the choice was unani- 
mously approved by his companions-in-arms. General Burn- 
side regarded him as one of his best officers. 'He has 
shown great courage and skill,' once wrote the general, 'and 
in organization and discipline he has no superior.' General 
Foster was enthusiastic in his commendation. ' He stands 
as high as any officer or soldier in the army of the United 
States,' said he, 'on the list of noble, loyal and devoted men.' 
On the 27th of December he was promoted to the rank of 



iS64 ] FIRST R. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. 43 

brigadier-general, and, on the 14th of March, 1863, he was 
confirmed and commissioned to that grade. In February,' 

1863, he accompanied General Foster to South Carolina, 
where his brigade was attached to the Tenth Corps, and 
where he served with great fidelity and zeal throughout the 
year under Generals Foster, Hunter and Gillmore. In April, 

1864, he reported to General Burnside at Annapolis, and 
was assigned to the command of the First Division." 

May iith. Early this morning 9,000 rebel prisoners 
taken at the battle of Spottsylvania passed our camp going 
to the rear under guard. 

May I2th. The men were given permission to view forty- 
two pieces of artillery taken from the enemy at Spottsylva- 
nia, as thev were parked in the vicinity of our camp, 
^larched at seven a. m. to Oak Hill and camped for the 
night. Here we found batteries D and G, First Rhode 
Island Light Artillery, the Third New Jersey, Second 
IMaine, Eleventh Massachusetts, and Twenty-second New 
York batteries, and the First Rhode Island Cavalry, 
besides three regiments of the infantry of the Invalid 
Corps. 

May 13th. Marched at seven a. m. for Marye's Heights, 
where we encamped for the night. 

May 14th. Although yesterday was stormy, this morning 
it cleared off and the weather was very pleasant, giving the 
men an opportunity to dry their clothing. About eleven 
p. M. we were routed out, ordered to hitch up and prepare to 
move at a moment's notice. 

May 15th. At four a. m. made preparations to move, but 



44 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, [May, 

did not get started until six a. m., when we marched as far 
as Belle Fonte and encamped. 

May i6th. At eight a. m. our battery moved into Fred- 
ericksburg and went into camp on the west side of the city. 
While here permission was given our men to visit the place 
and observe the effects of the destruction made by the shot 
and shell of Burnside's army in 1862. Some of the churches 
and houses were badly riddled. Our corps commander, 
General Abercrombie, is waiting for the Eighth Corps to 
pass through the city to the front ; then we will cross the 
Rappahannock River and march to Aquia Creek Landing 
to guard the base of supplies. 

May 17th. Marched at 7.30 a, m. through Fredericks- 
burg, crossing the Rappahannock River on pontoons, and 
encamped near Falmouth for the night. 

May 1 8th. Again on the move towards Aquia Creek 
Landing. On arriving there went into camp on high land 
near the Landing. 

May 19th. It is raining this morning and our boys are 
out on a foraging expedition, searching for hard tack and 
salt pork, for we are very short of rations, being allowanced 
• to three hard tack a day until our supplies are brought down 
the river. There was a regiment of heavy artillery break- 
ing camp near us and they left a number of boxes of hard 
bread and some salt pork, which our men brought into camp, 
and it proved a welcome addition to our stock of rations 
until our supplies can be forwarded to us. 

May 20th. During the day four hundred rebel prisoners 
passed our camp going to the Landing to take the boat north. 



1S64.] FIRST R. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. 45 

May 24th. At seven a. m. we marched to White Oak 
Barn, reporting to Major Cowan, chief of artillery. Waited 
in line three hours for the Third New Jersey Battery, which 
was lost somewhere on the road. When they came up our 
chief of artillery rode out to meet the captain. The major 
said: "Captain, where have you been.'" "I have been 
trying to find the 'white oak barn ' all the morning," replied 
the Jerseyman. The major then said: "Here is the 
'White Oak Barn,' captain, right here." After a hearty 
laugh at the expense of the Jerseyman, the whole command 
moved to and through Fredericksburg and encamped a few 
miles beyond the city, and were guarded by the First Rhode 
Island Cavalry. Towards morning we marched to West- 
moreland Plain. 

May 25th. Moved at 7.30 a. m. towards Port Royal, Va. 
One squadron of the First Rhode Island Cavalry acted as 
advance guard, with squadrons on our right and left flanks 
as a precautionary measure against a surprise. Our battery 
followed the advance guard of the First Rhode Island 
Cavalry. During the day the Third New Jersey Battery 
again lost its way. The column arrived at Port Conway 
about 4.30 p. M. Here we found the Third New Jersey in 
position with their guns trained on the woods beyond the 
river. At seven p. m. the battery crossed the river on pon- 
toons to Port Royal and encamped a mile and a half from 
the landing on Dr. Judd's farm, a short distance from the 
barn where, in the following year, the assassinator of Presi- 
dent Lincoln (Booth) was shot by Sergt. (Boston) Corbett. 

May 28th. We are expecting to move with the troops 



46 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, [June. 

here by transports to protect the capital from an attack by 
Gen. Jubal Early's forces who have been detached from 
Lee's army and are now moving in the direction of Wash- 
ington. 

Sunday, May 29th. Our battery was put aboard the 
transport St. Nicholas. We moved out on the river in tow 
of the steamer General Hooker, having for our protection and 
escort three gunboats. 

May 30th. Steamed down the Rappahannock River at 
five A. M., under the escort of the gunboats, and anchored 
opposite Port Tappahannock. 

May 31st. Moved again this morning down the river and 
anchored at nightfall. 

June 2d. Arrived at the Sixth Street wharf in Washing- 
ton at ten p. m., but did not disembark. 

June 3d. This morning the battery disembarked, and 
marched to the Arsenal and turned our pieces over to the 
authorities in charge there. We .then proceeded to the gen- 
eral corral and turned in our horses, as it is rumored that we 
are to go on duty acting as heavy artillery to garrison the 
forts in the defenses of Washington. From the corral we 
marched to the Soldiers Rest, where we were quartered for 
the night. 

June 4th. At ten a. m. marched out of the Soldiers Rest, 
through Washington over Long Bridge to Fort Richardson, 
where we are to perform garrison duty for awhile. 




First Sergt. George Messinger. 



1864.] FIRST R. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. 



47 



CHAPTER VI. 



Life at Fort Richardson — Moved to Fort Smith and 

STATIONED THERE BaTTERY EQUIPPED AGAIN AND SENT 

TO City Point. 

ONCE more our battery was destined to forego an 
active participation in the stirring scenes at the 
front, and to the disappointment of our men we 
were assigned to the dull routine of garrison life, instead of 
the more congenial duties of a mounted battery. 

Nothing of especial importance transpired during our 
stay in Fort Richardson. Our men were drilled at the guns 
in heavy artillery work, and also practiced in the use of 
mortars. An occasional long roll at night would relieve the 
monotony of our existence, when the men would hasten to 
the guns remaining there until reveille. 

It was a source of regret to us that we were not permitted 
to remain with the Ninth Corps, which was at that time with 
the Army of the Potomac confronting the enemy at Cold 
Harbor, where a severe battle had just been fought. After 
the Wilderness and Spottsylvania battles General Grant 
became convinced that he had more artillery than could be 



48 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, [J"ly- 

brought into action at any one time. It occupied the roads 
in marching and taxing the trains in bringing up forage. 
He therefore sent back to the defenses of Washington over 
one hundred pieces of artillery, with the horses and cais- 
sons. As will be observed our battery was among the num- 
ber returned. But we did not share our misfortunes alone, 
for Battery D, of our regiment, was ordered to turn in its 
guns and equipments to the Arsenal at Washington, and for 
a time garrisoned Fort Lincoln within the defenses. 

General Burnside, who always took pride and satisfaction 
in having Rhode Island troops in his command, in a letter to 
General Grant dated June 28, 1864, requesting that more 
artillery might be added to his corps, said : "In addition to 
Benjamin's battery, I should like Gitting's battery of the 
Third Artillery and Allen's (H) and Buckley's (D) Rhode 
Island batteries, unless by so doing it would bring up too 
much field artillery. These have all been sent to Washing- 
ton. If we are to continue our operations here, guns of 
heavier calibre will also be required, but these have been 
promised by General Hunt." 

We conclude that General Grant deemed it inexpedient to 
comply with this request, as the Rhode Island batteries were 
not sent to the Ninth Corps. At this time our battery was 
attached to the Twenty-second Corps, DeRussy's Division, 
in the District of Alexandria. 

July loth. Left Fort Richardson at 9.30 a. m., and 
marched to Fort Smith, which is situated on the Potomac 
River, near Aqueduct Bridge. On our arrival at the fort we 
were assigned to No. i Barracks. During the night the 



-1^64.] FIRST R. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. 49 

assembly call was sounded, and we were ordered to take 
muskets and fall in. This greatly displeased our men, and 
at first they were inclined to rebel, but better counsels pre- 
vailed, and they accepted the situation with the best 
grace possible. Associated with us in the fort were 
several companies of the Fourteenth New York Heavy 
Artillery. 

On the 14th, the left section of our battery was sent to 
l^ailey's Cross Roads for picket duty. 

July i8th. Inspection at 10.30 a. m. of all the troops in 
the fort. 

July 19th. The centre section was detailed for picket 
duty near Fort Strong. On the 25th the right section went 
on picket at the same place. 

August 1 6th. Our battery was inspected and reviewed at 
ten A. M. by Capt. C. H. Whittlesey, Assistant Adjutant- 
General of the Artillery Reserve. 

August 1 8th. At nine a. m. we bade adieu to the 
attached men of the One Hundred and Sixty-fourth Ohio 
Infantry, who have served with us since the first of 
July. We held these soldiers in high esteem. Their 
term of service has expired and they are about to return 
to their regiment for muster-out. The original mem- 
bers of our battery are very much exercised, as they claim 
that they enlisted to serve the unexpired term of the regi- 
ment, and their term of service has already expired, and 
insist that they too should be mustered out. A meeting 
was held in the company mess room, and Corporal Howard 



50 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, [Aug., 

was appointed a committee to wait upon President Lincoln 
and present our grievances to him. Upon interviewing the 
president he listened attentively to the complaint made by 
the committee, and then said : " I see by your petition that 
it has been through all the departments, and I find that 
your claim is right and just, and you should be discharged. 
You come at the eleventh hour to 'Old Abe' thinking he 
will order you discharged. But the government has 50,000 
men just the same as you are. We cannot spare these men 
at present, but as soon as you can possibly be spared you 
shall be sent home. I am truly sorry for your men." And 
this closed the interview of President Lincoln with our 
committee. 

August 29th. Private Earl Fenner was detailed as acting 
sergeant, and ordered to duty as sergeant of the guard 
at the fort. Privates Sampson, Aldervvick and Stone 
were detailed for picket, and ordered to report to the com- 
manding officer of the picket near Fort Strong. During 
the afternoon the paymaster appeared in the fort and the 
men were paid two months' pay. The men on picket were 
ordered to return to the fort and receive their pay, but they 
arrived too late as the paymaster had gone, and they were 
ordered back on picket, Private Aldervvick having been 
detailed to relieve Private Hayfield on the outpost. On 
proceeding to the place, he was challenged and shot by 
Hayfield. He was hit in the right shoulder, causing a severe 
wound. It was generally thought that Hayfield was an unfit 
person to occupy the position of an outpost. 

August 31st. Long roll was sounded at three a. m. AD 




Lieut. Hezekiah Potter. 



i^''H-] first R. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. 5 1 

the companies in the fort were ordered to the guns and , 
remained there until reveille. 

October 6th. Artificer Leon Allison was sent into Wash- 
ington to-day by Captain Allen on official business. On 
his return he was brutally assaulted and all his valuables 
taken from him, even to the shoes on his feet. On his arri- 
val at the fort he was sent to the hospital, where it was found 
that his jaw was broken. 

October 13th. Private James Booth died in hospital near 
Fort Strong. He was buried by a detail of men from our 
battery. 

October i6th. We have received welcome news to-day. 
Our battery is ordered to Camp Barry, where we are to 
receive guns and horses and be remounted again as a light 
battery. The men are delighted and almost beside them- 
selves with joy. They have been very much dissatisfied, not 
having enlisted as heavy artillerymen it was but natural 
that they should long to return to their own arm of the 
service. We moved from Fort Smith at ten a. m., and on 
arriving at Camp Barry occupied barracks No. i. 

October i8th. Twenty-five men were detailed to draw 
horses and harnesses for the battery. This order was 
obeyed with alacrity. We were subsequently ordered to 
draw a battery of Napoleon guns. 

October 25th. More good news. At twelve a. m. we 
marched into Washington to Si.xth Street wharf and em- 
barked on steamer St. XicJiolas, bound for City Point, Va., 
where we are to join General Benham's forces. This com- 
mand is guarding the base of supplies for twenty miles or 



52 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, [Dec, 

more down the James River, and the line of breastworks 
from City Point toward our front. 

October 26th. We arrived at City Point at eleven a. m. 
and went into camp near the Landing for the night. 

October 27th. Marched to main line of breastworks and 
encamped. At twelve p. m. the long roll was sounded, 
caused by an attack by the enemy on our front and the rebel 
gunboats on the James River. The cannoneers were ordered 
to their guns and remained there until reveille. On the 
31st the battery was mustered for two months' pay. 

During the month of November all was quiet along our 
lines and winter quarters were ordered to be built for the 
men. They were arranged in groups of four. The month 
was cold and stormy. 

December 25th, being Christmas, we were bountifully 
supplied with turkeys for our Christmas dinner. There was 
a turkey for each group of four men who occupied the log- 
cabins which had been erected the previous month. It was 
a Christmas long to be remembered by every man in the 
battery, bringing to mind the good cheer and kind faces of 
our loved ones at home, and we looked forward with intense 
longing for the time when we should be permitted to return 
to them again. 



iS^H-] FIRST R. I. LKIHT ARTILLERY. 53 



CHAPTER VIL 



Battery H Proceeds to Petersburg and Encamps 
NEAR Fort Tracy — Life in the Trenches — Rebel 
Attack on Fort Stedman Repulsed. 

WHEN Battery H was ordered to the defenses of 
Washington, in May, 1864, the Army of the 
Potomac was engaged in a deadly struggle with 
the Confederate forces at Spottsylvania. Shortly after this 
encounter with the enemy Grant commenced his celebrated 
left flank movement, crossed the North Anna River, where 
a sharp battle was fought, and a few days later the Union 
army was engaged in the more hotly contested battle of 
Cold Harbor. After this engagement General Grant became 
convinced that he could not accomplish all he desired north 
of Richmond, and determined to hold the ground then occu- 
pied by his forces, and, after his cavalry had been sent to 
break up the railroad communication between Richmond 
and the Shenandoah Valley and Lynchburg, he began to 
move the Army of the Potomac again by the left flank to 
the south side of th6 James River, and where he believed 
he could more effectually cut off the sources of the 
enemy's supplies. He accordingly moved his army from 



54 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, [J'i"-r 

Cold Harbor and crossed the Chickahominy and James Rivers, 
and finally reached the vicinity of Petersburg, which he pro- 
ceeded to invest with his forces. To the Army of the 
Potomac was entrusted the task of investing the place, while 
the Army bf the James occupied Bermuda Hundred and the 
ground in possession of our troops north of the James River. 

The Army of the Potomac was still investing Petersburg 
when Battery H reached City Point, in October, 1864. It 
will be observed that the battery did not immediately join 
the forces on the Petersburg front at that time, but remained 
at City Point until Jan. 2, 1865, when it was ordered to join 
the Artillery Brigade of the Sixth Corps. 

On the 2d of January our battery moved toward Patrick 
Station, in front of Petersburg, Va., arriving there between 
three and four in the forenoon, and went into camp near 
Fort Tracy. 

January 7th, soon after tattoo, the long roll sounded, and 
the men of the battery not on guard were ordered into the 
fort at double-quick and the troops on the right manned 
Batteries Nos. 9, 10, and 11. As our forces on the extreme 
right of the line, beyond the "Yellow House," were heavily 
engaged with the enemy, our cannoneers remained at their 
guns till reveille. 

Again on the 9th we were routed out at four o'clock in 
the morning by the sound of the long roll, caused by our 
pickets on the right of our lines being driven in- by the 
enemy, and a sharp engagement followed. The rebels were 
finally driven back with a heavy loss. Our cannoneers, as 
usual, stood by their guns till morning. 



1S65.] FIRST R. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. 55 

While our forces were besieging Petersburg, the pickets 
of the two armies would frequently engage in conversation, 
and a colloquy like the following would take place : 

"I say, Billy Yank?" 

"What do you want, Johnny Reb ? " 

" Have you got any soft tack ? " 

" Yes," replied the Yank. " Do you want to trade tobacco 
for soft tack ? " 

" Yes," said the Reb. 

"Lay down your gun, then," says our Yankee soldier, 
" and we will trade with you." 

Then the pickets on either side would approach each other 
and exchange soft tack for tobacco, and other commodities. 
This illustrates the good feeling that existed between the 
men who perhaps a few hours before had been opi)osed to 
each other in deadly combat, and the war might possibly 
have been brought to a speedier termination if it had been 
left to the soldiers of the two contending armies to 
settle. 

On the 9th of January long roll sounded about four p. ^L, 
when we found that our pickets had been dri\'en in on the 
right of our lines. A sharp engagement ensued between 
our troops and the enemy, which finally resulted in the rebels 
being forced back to their former positions with consider- 
able loss. Our men stood to their guns until seven o'clock 
in the morning. 

In consequence of our close proximity to the enemy, and 
the fear that they might make a sudden attack on our imme- 
diate front, the men were strictly enjoined not to leave camp 



56 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, [Jan., 

without permission. On the evening of the nth heavy 
firing was heard on the right of our Hues, and we were 
ordered to be ready to move at short notice. The left sec- 
tion of our battery, under command of Lieut. Anthony B. 
Horton, had been ordered on the morning of this date to 
Hatcher's Run for picket duty. This was in accordance 
with a movement in conjunction with other troops to get 
possession of the South Side Railroad. This section 
returned to camp on the 13th. At midnight we were again 
aroused from our slumbers by the sound of the long roil. 
We were led to expect that the enemy might be endeavoring 
to make an attack on our lines directly in our front, as heavy 
firing was heard in that direction. This, however, proved to 
be only a feint to withdraw attention from our right where 
the real attack of the enemy was made. They did not suc- 
ceed, however, in gaining any advantage at that point and 
were forced to retire. 

Again on the 14th the cannoneers were summoned to their 
posts to be ready to repel an attack of the enemy, and were 
ordered to remain by their pieces till reveille the next morn- 
ing. On the succeeding night the same programme was 
repeated, with the exception that the men were allowed to 
retire at twelve p. m. On the i6th, one-half of the men of 
the battery remained by the guns until midnight, and the 
other half from midnight until the next morning. On the 
19th at ten p. m. orders were received to be prepared to 
march to Hatcher's Run at short notice. At reveille on the 
20th the orders were countermanded and we returned to our 
quarters. 



iS65.] FIRST R. I. LIGHT ARTII.I.KRN'. 57 

For several days we were occupied in constructing a bar- 
rack to shelter us from the inclement weather. It was 
built of logs and said to resemble somewhat Noah's 
ark. This ark was eighty-five feet long, seventeen feet wide, 
and a roof was made of poles, taking ninety-two pieces of 
our shelter tents to cover it. Five chimneys were 
built, with the intention of carrying the smoke out from the 
ark, but on the contrary when the wind was high, about as 
much smoke remained inside as was carried out at the top 
of these so-called chimneys, and occasioned the men to 
designate it as " The Old Smoke House." 

Perhaps it may not be amiss to insert the following 
stanzas, as they portrayed our thoughts and feelings at that 
time, and are indicative of the many privations and hard- 
ships endured by our soldiers at the front : 

THE OLD SMOKE HOUSE. 
Air.—" The OUi Oaken Bucket." 

How near to oiu- hearts arc the thouijhts of that Smoke House, 

As returning from duty we entered the door, 
Not all the wealth of the Indies could tempt us to love it 

As we strode o'er the planks of that old Smoke House floor. 

As we crossed its foul portals what a smell there came from it, 

Especially when pork had been fried on the fire; 
How loud and how lon.i( were those deep exclamations 

That greeted our ears and stirred up our ire. 

How well we remember when the winds thev were contrar\ , 
And the smoke filled our c\es ami our nostrils as well. 

How we vowed that the man who had planned that old Smoke House 
Should be consigned to a place I care not to tell. 



58 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, [Feb. 

Some called it an ark, and some an old barrack, 
The Black Hole of Calcutta resembled it well: 

But by whatever name or title you call it, 
Its smoky old memories we cannot dispel. 

And now far remo\ed from that lone habitation, 

The tear of regret will intrusi\elv swell, 
As fancy rexerts to that Southern plantation. 

And that dingy old Smoke House we all knew so well. 

On the 7th of February cannonading was heard on our left 
in the direction of the position occupied by the Second 
Corps, and we understand that the Fifth and Second Corps 
with Gregg's cavah-y on the fifth of this month moved out 
from our left to Reams's Station, and thence to Dinwiddie 
Court House, the Fifth Corps being directed to turn the ene- 
my's right, while the Second assailed it in front. The two 
corps then took position on the rebel fiank, Smythe's division, 
and McAllister's brigade of Mott's (of the Second Corps) 
gallantly repulsed the enemy's attempt to turn the right of 
the former. The Confederates then sent a strong force 
around our left to strike it in flank and rear. Gregg's cav- 
alry was the first assailed and pushed back to Hatcher's 
Run ; Ayres's division, which was hurrying up to'the support 
of Crawford's (both of the Fifth Corps), was next stricken 
in flank while marching, and pushed back, when the blow 
fell on Crawford with heavy loss. Following up their suc- 
cess the Confederates then attacked Humphrey's (Second) 
Corps, which had had time to intrench, and which promptly 
sent them to the right about. The ground taken by the 
Second Corps was held, and our left thus permanently 



1865.] FIRST R. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. 59 

extended to Hatcher's Run. These movements to the left 
involved the transfer of the Sixth and Ninth Corps to new 
positions. General Wheaton's division of the Sixth Corps 
was engaged on the 7th, losing seventeen men wounded and 
about fifty prisoners. The engagement resulted in a pro- 
longation of our line for a few miles and its intrenchment 
for a future point of departure. Lieut. Anthony B. Morton, 
with the left section of our battery, accompanied the Sixth 
Corps in this movement. 

February 21st, a salute was fired in honor of the capture 
and occupation of Charleston and Columbia, South Carolina, 
by the army of Sherman, which had just completed its 
famous "march to the sea," and was then moving through 
that state toward Goldsboro, North Carolina. That evening 
expecting an attack from the rebels, we remained by our 
guns all night, but no enemy appeared. 

On the 22d, this being the birthday of the " Father of his 
Country," we were hoping that the trite saying of "all quiet 
along the lines " might be our experience, and that we be 
allowed to celebrate it in a becoming manner, but we were 
doomed to disappointment, as the boom of cannon on our 
right, where the Ninth Corps was located, was a sure indica- 
tion that the rebels were about to commence a celebration 
on their own account. At eight v. u. long roll sounded and 
our cannoneers repaired to their posts at the guns on the 
double-quick. The Fifth Corps, which was stationed in our 
rear, hastened to the assistance of the Ninth Corps. The 
Confederates had driven in our pickets and their reserves, 
and captured Batteries Nine, Ten and Eleven, near Yellow 



6o HISTORY OF BATTERY H, [March, 

House, on the Welden Railroad, holding them for a short 
time. Our troops soon recovered from the attack, and in 
turn poured a heavy flanking fire on the Confederates, caus- 
ing them to evacuate our batteries and retire in haste to 
their own lines. 

February 26th, the left section of our battery, under Lieu- 
tenant Horton, was ordered to Hatcher's Run to participate 
in a movement in conjunction with portions of the Fifth, 
Sixth, and Ninth Corps. He returned to the battery with 
his section on the 28th. 

Early in March President Davis and General Lee had a 
consultation about the situation of affairs in and about Rich- 
mond and Petersburg, and they came to the conclusion that 
they must evacuate those places as soon as possible. Gen- 
eral Lee determined to make an attack upon our lines around 
Petersburg to aid him in his plan of escape by the Danville 
Road. Near daybreak on the morning of the 25th, General 
Gordon (Confederate) made an attack on Fort Stedman and 
Battery Ten, nearly east of Petersburg, where our lines were 
the closest together. They captured our pickets and sent 
them to the rear as prisoners. Then they came upon our 
main line, where our men were sleeping, surprising them, 
capturing many and putting to flight the residue. Then 
turning to the right and left they took possession of Fort 
Stedman and Battery No. Ten. They also charged and 
carried Batteries Eleven and Twelve to our left, which they 
turned upon City Point. 

In the absence of General Meade, who was at City Point, 
General Parke, commander of the Ninth Corps, took com- 



^865-] FIRST R. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. 6 1 

mand. He ordered Hartranft with his division to the right 
of the breach, where he headed the rebels off in that direc- 
tion and drove them back into Fort Stedman, while Wilcox 
with his division drove the enemy back into the intrenched 
lines which they had captured, and Batteries Eleven and 
Twelve were retaken by our forces. General Parke threw a 
line around outside of the captured fort and batteries, and 
the Confederates, being completely hemmed in, surrendered 
themselves as prisoners. General Meade, who had now 
arrived, at once ordered an advance along the front of the 
other corps holding our works on the left. Our forces suc- 
ceeded in wresting from the enemy their intrenched picket 
line, which was held and strengthened by our troops. 

While heavy firing was going on in our front, from the 
position of our battery near Fort Fisher we witnessed a 
grand and imposing sight as our infantry marched out of 
our lines and moved forward to the attack. This movement 
was observed by President Lincoln and several members of 
his Cabinet. 

On the 28th of March our battery was ordered to be ready 
to move at a moment's notice. 



62 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, [March, 



CHAPTER VIII. 



Forward Movement of the Army of the Potomac — 
Capture of Petersburg and Richmond — Pursuit 
OF Lee's Army — Battle of Sailor's Creek. 

GENERAL GRANT was now tightening his grip on 
the rebel lines, and he ordered a forward movement 
of all the forces concentrated around Petersburg, 
with the intention of capturing that city and Richmond 
also. On the 29th, in a communication to General Sheri- 
dan, he says : "Our line is now unbroken from the Appo- 
mattox to Dinwiddle. We are all ready, however, to give 
up all, from the Jerusalem Plank Road to Hatcher's Run, 
whenever the forces can be used advantageously. ... I 
now feel like ending the matter, if it is possible to do so, 
before going back. I do not want you, therefore, to cut 
loose and go after the enemy's roads at present. In the 
morning push around the enemy, if you can, and get on to 
his right rear. . . . We will act all together as one 
army, until it is seen what can be done with the enemy." 

The rain fell in torrents from the night of the 29th to the 
morning of the 31st, and the roads were almost impassable. 
Sheridan advanced from Dinwiddle Court House, on the 



1S65.] FIRST R. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. 63 

30th, towards Five Forks, and found the enemy there in full 
force, and, reinforced by the rebel cavalry, forced him back 
to Dinwiddie Court House. Here General Sheridan, instead 
of retreating with his command to the main army, deployed 
his cavalry on foot, leaving only mounted men enough to 
take charge of the horses, and compelled the enemy to 
deploy over a vast extent of wooded and broken country, 
making his progress slow. Two divisions of the Fifth Corps 
and General Mackenzie's cavalry were sent to Sheridan's 
assistance. 

Thus reinforced, General Sheridan on the morning of the 
1st of April drove the enemy back on Five Forks, where he 
assaulted and carried his strongly fortified works, capturing 
all his artillery and between five and six thousand prisoners. 

Our battery marched at twelve p. m. to Fort Fisher, where 
the signal gun was to be fired at four a. m. and answered on 
our left by troops at Hatcher's Run and on the right of our 
lines near Yellow House, which were signals for a oreneral 
advance of our army on the works of the enemy. We 
received orders to join the First Brigade, First Division, 
of the Sixth Corps. This gallant corps had already won 
imperishable renown on many sanguinary fields under the 
lamented Sedgwick, and now, under Wright, its able corps 
commander, still maintained its well-earned reputation. 

Our division commander. Gen.- Frank Wheaton, a native 
of Rhode Island, was a brave and accomplished officer, 
respected and esteemed by every soldier of his command. 
The following sketch is taken from Bartlett's Memoirs of 
Rhode Island Officers: "He is the son of Dr. Francis L. 



64 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, [April, 

Wheaton [himself a surgeon in the war] and Amelia S. 
(Burrell) Wheaton. He was born in Providence, received 
his education in the public schools in his native city, and on 
graduating from the high school entered on a partial course 
of study in Brown University preparatory to his destined 
pursuit in life, that of civil engineering. 

"In 1854, he went on a survey as chief of a party of 
reconnaissance to meet the Mexican commissioner, Senor 
Salazar. 

"In June, 1855, two weeks after the survey had been 
completed, Mr. Wheaton received from President Pierce the 
appointment of first lieutenant of cavalry. On the first of 
March, 1861, he was promoted to a captaincy, and on the 
breaking out of the war was detailed with Captain Sitgreaves, 
Topographical Engineers, to muster into service the United 
States troops in Albany. 

"In June, 1861, Captain Wheaton was appointed by Gov- 
ernor Sprague lieutenant-colonel of the Second Rhode Infan- 
try. On the death of Colonel Slocum he was immediately 
promoted to the colonelcy of his regiment. In November, 
1862, he was appointed a brigadier-general of volunteers. 
He commanded a brigade of the Sixth Corps, and was with 
it in its various campaigns and battles, until the battle of 
Winchester, Va., Sept. 19, 1864, when, by order of General 
Sheridan, he was assigned to the command of the First 
Division, Sixth Corps. One month later he was recom- 
mended for promotion for services rendered at the battle of 
Cedar Creek, Va., and was breveted major-general of volun- 
teers. After the battle of the Wilderness he received the 



i^^^5-] FIRST k. I. I.ICH r" AKTILLKRV. 65 

brevet of lieutenant-colonel in the regular army, and later on 
received the brevet of colonel for distinguished services al 
the battle of Cold Harbor. 

"On the 2d of April, 1S65, the rebel lines before Peters- 
burg, Va., were successfully assaulted by the Sixth Corps, 
the First Division of which was commanded by General 
Wheaton. For his services on this occasion he received the 
brevet of brigadier-general in the United States army. But 
the crowning honor of his career was the brevet of major- 
general in the regular army, conferred upon him for the 
masterly manner in which he defeated and drove back the 
rebel General Early, at Fort Stevens, within the city of 
Washington, on the night of the 12th of July, 1864. He 
was the immediate commander, on this occasion, of the 
United States forces, consisting of twelve regiments. At 
the close of the war he was ordered to the frontier, and, as 
brevet major-general of volunteers, commanded a district 
including the territories of Nebraska, Dacotah, and Montana. 
In November, 1865, he was appointed lieutenant-colonel in 
the Thirty-ninth United States Infantry, and subsequently 
colonel Second United States Infantry, and is at the 
present time a brigadier-general in the United States 
army." 

We will now return to the position occupied by our bat- 
tery near Fort Fisher on the morning of April 2d. General 
Grant had issued orders for an assault on the enemy's lines 
by General Wright with the Si.xth Corps, and General Parke 
with the Ninth Corps, while General Humphreys with the 
Second, and General Ord with the Army of the James were 
5 



66 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, [April, 

ordered to hold themselves in readiness to take any advan- 
tage that could be taken from weakening in their front. 

At half past four o'clock in the forenoon, our battery 
moved forward with the division, and, after crossing the rifle- 
pits, the right section of the battery was ordered into action 
in front of Fort Fisher, between two chimneys, and were 
soon engaged with a rebel battery, compelling it to retire. 
Then we poured an enfilading fire on a rebel fort, silencing 
its guns. The section then moved to our left, to the assist- 
ance of our infantry, who were hotly engaged with the enemy. 
The section was subsequently ordered to return to Fort Fisher. 
Here we found Generals Grant, Meade, Wheaton, Parke, 
Getty, and Sheridan, intently observing the movements of 
our troops, and the result of the battle. Our whole battery 
then moved nearer to a rebel fort in our front, opened 
fire upon it, and finally succeeded in silencing the enemy's 
guns. 

During the day the battery occupied seven different posi- 
tions, the last one being in the rear of the Whitworth House. 
The enemy placed a rifle battery in position on the left, and 
obtained an enfilading fire at one thousand seven hundred 
yards, being beyond the extreme range of our guns. The 
batterv was subsequently ordered to withdraw from this 
position, and went into park in rear of the First Division 
headquarters for the night. In this day's action, three men 
of our battery were killed : Privates Gerritt S. Hill (an 
attached man from the Fourteenth New York Heavy Artil- 
lery), Thomas Carter, and Charles Vaslett ; wounded severely. 
Private Eben Tongue ; wounded slightly, Sergt. Esek S. 



iS^.v] FIRST R. I. I.KHIT ARTIIJ.KRV. 67 

Owen, Corp. John P. Campbell, 2d, and Privates William 
H. Stone, Gideon VV. Arnold, and George W. Freeborn. 
Private Charles Tweedale was made permanently deaf. Our 
Battery Guidon, Horace V. Floyd, had his horse killed bv a 
shell. The horse fell on Comrade P'loyd, injuring him 
severely. Ten horses were killed in this action. 

General Whcaton, in his report to Major Wniittlesey, 
says : 

" During our advance towards Petersburg, Capt. Craw- 
ford Allen, Jr.'s Battery H, of the P'lrst Rhode Island Artil- 
lery, was admirably handled and his losses were severe. 
His guns were always in front, frequently in advance of the 
skirmishers ; and, as our lines moved forward, he invariably 
forced the enemy's batteries to retire, and followed them 
closely. Earlier in the day, when the assault commenced, 
Captain Allen very handsomely compelled a section of the 
enemy's artillery to retire. If these guns, occupying one of 
their intrenched works and thoroughly enfilading our lines, 
had not been silenced, they might have materially retarded 
our advance." 

While the Si.xth Corps under Wright swung around to 
the left and moved to Hatcher's Run, sweeping everything 
before them, the other, corps were not idle. Ord and Hum- 
phreys succeeded in capturing the intrenched picket lines 
in their front. Ord took possession of the enemy's intrench- 
ments, the Second Corps soon followed, and the outer 
works were in the hands of the Union troops. Sheridan 
had also been successful on his part of the line. He 
met the enemy at Sutherland Station, and, with the assist- 



68 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, [ApriU. 

ance of Miles' division of the Second Corps, captured the 
place, taking" a large number of prisoners and some pieces of 
artillery, and putting to flight portions of three Confederate 
corps. 

General Grant, in a dispatch to Col. T. S. Bovvers at City 
Point well describes the situation of our army on the after- 
'noon of the 2d of April. He says : " We are now up and 
have a continuous line of troops, and in a few hours will be 
intrenched from the Appomattox below Petersburg to the 
river above. . . . The whole captures since the army 
started out gunning will amount to not less than twelve 
thousand men, and probably fifty pieces of artillery." 

An assault was ordered to be made the following day at 
six A. M.,but the enemy evacuated Richmond and Petersburg 
on the morning of the 3d, and retreated toward Danville. 
General Sheridan with his cavalry, followed by General 
Meade with the Second and Sixth Corps, started in pursuit. 
General Ord proceeded to Burkeville along the South Side 
Road, the Ninth Corps following closely. Battery H moved 
with the First Division of the Sixth Corps. We crossed the 
South Side Railroad, passing a station on the road which 
read " Black and White Station," meaning that both white 
and black persons could take the cars at that point. We 
marched about fifteen miles and encamped for the night at 
about ten p. m. 

On the morning of the 4th of April we again started in 
full pursuit of the enemy. Our corps being in the centre of 
the other corps we marched on parallel roads. We here 
received an ofificial dispatch that our forces were in possession 



1S65.] FIRST R. I. Licirr artili.?:rv. 69 

of Richmond and Petersburg. We encamped that night 
about eleven p. m. 

President Lincoln, who had been at City Point for several 
days, on the morning of the capture of Petersburg, received 
a dispatch from General Grant inviting him to ride out to 
Petersburg and he would meet him there. He fount! Grant 
in the captured city occupying the piazza of a deserted 
house. Mr. Lincoln warmly congratulated the general on 
the recent victory, thanking him and his army for the good 
results accomplished, and said : " Do you know, general, 
that I have had a sort of sneaking idea for some days that 
you intended to do something like this." General Grant had 
with him at this time the officers of his staff and only a 
small escort of cavalry, all the troops having been sent in 
pursuit of General Lee and his fleeing army. 

April 5th still found our di\'ision pursuing the Confederate 
forces. We did not meet many rebels, only a few prisoners 
captured by our cavalry at the front. After a short march 
we bivouacked for the night. On the morning of this date 
General Grant addressed the following communication to 
General Sherman : "All indications now arc that Lee will 
attempt to reach Danville with the remnant of his force. 
Sheridan, who was up with him last night, reports all that is 
left, horse, foot, and dragoons, at twenty thousand, much 
demoralized. We hope to reduce this number one-half. I 
shall push on to Burkeville, and if a stand is made at Dan- 
ville will go there. If you can possibly do so, push on from 
where you are, and let us see if we cannot finish the job with 
Lee and Johnston's armies. Whether it will be better for 



JO HISTORY OF BATTERY H, [April, 

you to strike for Greensboro', or nearer to Danville, you will 
be better able to judge when you receive this. Rebel armies 
now are the only strategic points to strike at." 

On the morning of the 6th of April, Sheridan with his 
cavalry advanced on the road running from Deatonsville to 
Rice Station. Before long the enemy's trains were discov- 
ered on this road, but little impression could be made upon 
them they were so strongly guarded. Leaving a sufficient 
force there to harrass the retreating column, he shifted the 
rest of his cavalry toward the left, across-country, but still 
keeping parallel to the enemy's line of march. After cross- 
ing Sailor's Creek he again attacked the enemy vigorously, 
destroying several hundred wagons, made many prisoners 
and captured sixteen pieces of artillery. But the most 
important fact was that he had prevented a corps of Confed- 
erate infantry, under Ewell, from joining Longstreet. The 
separation of these two rebel commands from each other led 
to the battle of Sailor's Creek, a hard fought combat, in 
which infantry, artillery, and cavalry were all brought into 
action. This small creek, which is a tributary of the Appo- 
matto.x, flows in a northwesterly direction across the road 
leading from Deatonsville to Rice's Station. Sheridan sent 
Merritt with his division to the left on the Rice's Station 
Road, west of the creek, making havoc with the enemy's 
wagon trains, while Crook struck them further on and 
planted himself square across the road. This blocked 
Ewell's progress, and he endeavored to make a stand here 
with a portion of his forces under Anderson, while the main 
body should escape through the woods in a westerly direction 



1S65.] FIRST R. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. 7 1 

toward Farmville. But Crook at once assaulted Anderson's 
front, overlapping his right, and Merritt attacked to the right 
of Crook. The enemy were thus held until the arrival of 
the Sixth Corps, under Wright, who were advancing " as fast 
as legs could carry them." 

Grant had directed that the Sixth Corps should follow 
Sheridan's route of march since the discovery in the morn- 
ing that Lee had evacuated Amelia Court House. In a note 
to Sheridan he said: "The Si.xth Corps will go in with a 
vim any place you may dictate." 

On that morning our brigade with Battery H, led the 
advance of our division on the march, expecting every 
moment to encounter the enemy. When our corps reached 
Sailor's Creek in the afternoon Seymour's division was 
placed in position on the right oi the road, while our division 
(Wheaton's) formed on Seymour's left, l^oth divisions mov- 
ing forward together assailed the enemy's front and left, 
together with Stagg's brigade of cavalry which had been 
placed between Wheaton's left and Devin's right, while 
Merritt and Crook resumed the fight from their positions in 
front of Anderson. 

Our battery went into action with our division, and fired 
fifteen rounds. We then changed our position to the brow 
of a hill overlooking the creek, where we remained until the 
close of the engagement. Generals Sheridan, Wright, and 
Custer were on this hill observing the progress of the battle. 
The enemy had now little chance of escape, and fought like 
tigers, but were pressed vigorously by Seymour and Wheaton, 
our forces gaining ground at all points except where Sey- 



72 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, [April, 

mour's left was checked. Here the enemy made a counter- 
charge, surging down almost to the creek, but our artillery, 
supported by Getty, who had arrived upon the ground, 
opened such a terrible fire upon them that they fell back to 
their original position. Ewell seeing that he was completely 
hemmed in on all sides, surrendered all those under his 
immediate command. 

Anderson's troops (rebel) had by this time become disor- 
ganized, and he with two thousand of his men escaped 
through the woods toward the Appomattox River, before 
they could be entirely surrounded. The fight was now over 
and night had fallen, but the cavalry and a part of the Sixth 
Corps pursued the enemy a few miles, anxious to complete a 
victory which had annihilated one corps of Lee's army, and 
had compelled Longstreet to move to Farmville, and take a 
road north of the Appomattox River, instead of continuing 
toward Danville. The result of this victory was the capture 
of six general officers (including General Ewell) and seven 
thousand men. Sheridan immediately sent a staff officer to 
General Grant apprising him of the situation. At midnight 
he dispatched a message to Grant giving the names of the 
generals captured. He also wrote in the same dispatch : 
" If the thing is pressed, I think that Lee will surrender." 
General Grant on receiving this message transmitted it by 
telegraph to President Lincoln, who was at City Point. The 
President in his quaint way telegraphed this characteristic 
reply : " Let the thing be pressed." 



iS^'.v] FIRST K. I. r.IGII'l- AR'riLI.KRV. 73 



CHAPTER IX. 



Pursuit of Lee's Akmv still coxtixued — Sukkexder 
OF the Army of Northern Virgixl\ at Api'0>l\t- 
Tox Court House — Slvth Corps march to Dax- 
ville. 

THE morning- of the 7th stil! found our troops in hot 
pursuit of Lee's retreating army. Crook's cav^ahy 
division overtooi<: the main body of the Confederates 
at Farmville, and prompt!)' attacked their trains on the 
north side of the Appomattox, with Gregg's brigade. Tlie 
enemy fiercely turned upon our forces, compelling them to 
recross the river, and c^^ptured a number of prisoners, among 
them Gregg himself. It was apparent that Lee had aban- 
doned all effort to escape to the southwest by the way of 
Danville. He was no doubt endeavoring to make Lynch- 
burg his objective {)oint now. Sheridan determined to 
throw his cavalry across his path, and hold him till the 
infantry could overtake him. 

On this morning Battery H moved with the corps toward 
Farmville, where it arrived about four v. ^L Our infantry 
skirmished with the enemy successfully, and passing through 
this beautiful little village camped on the heights beyond. 

Several of the chief officer.s of the fleeing armv had met 



74 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, [April, 

aroimd a bivouac fire on the night of the 6th, and concluded 
that a capitulation was inevitable. They saw the hopeless- 
ness of the contest. Even if they could cut through the 
host of pursuers following so sharp upon their trail, they 
could only do so by the sacrifice of their remaining guns and 
munitions, and in a state of utter inefficiency from famine. 
General Lee was not present at this council, but its judgment 
was subsequently made known to him. 

General Grant, who was now at Farmville, spared General 
Lee the pain of first proposing a surrender of his army, and 
addressed him a letter to that effect, saying : " The result 
of the last week must convince you of the hopelessness of 
further resistance on the part of the Army of Northern Vir- 
ginia " General Lee replied that he did not entertain the 
opinion of Grant concerning "the hopelessness of further 
resistance," but reciprocated his desire "to avoid useless 
effusion of blood," and asked what terms would be offered 
on condition of the surrender of his (Lee's) army. To this 
Grant responded, " Peace being my great desire, there is but 
one condition, that the men and officers surrendered shall be 
disqualified for taking up arms against the Government of 
the United States until properly exchanged." 

Receiving no immediate reply, the pursuit was continued 
on the 8th. Sheridan now pushed his cavalry along the 
roads parallel to the railroad leading to Appomattox Station, 
followed by General Ord's command and the Fifth Corps. 
The Sixth Corps moved rapidly to the small village called 
Prospect Station, where we made a brief halt, and then 
marched a few miles out and encamped for the night on 
P^armville Heights. . 



jS65.] first K, I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. 75 

At midnight of the Sth General Grant received a com- 
munication from General Lee stating that he did not agree 
with Grant that the " emergency has arisen to call for the 
surrender of this army, but as the restoration of peace 
should be the sole object of all, I desire to know whether 
your proposals would lead to that end." 

On the morning of the 9th General Grant returned him 
an answer as follows : " I have no authority to treat for 
peace. ... I will state, however, General, that I am 
equally anxious for peace with yourself, and the whole North 
entertains the same feeling. The terms upon which peace 
can be had are well understoo^l. By the South laying down 
their arms they will hasten that most desirable event, save 
thousands of lives, and hundreds of millions of property not 
yet destroyed. Seriously hoping that all our difficulties may 
be settled without the loss of another life, I subscribe 
myself, etc." 

General Grant, immediately after sending this message to 
Lee, started to join the column south of the Appomatto.v 
River. Early in the morning J^attery H with the Sixth 
Corps moved out and advanced along the narrow road lead- 
ing to Appomattox Court House. Late in the evening of 
the 8th, General Sheridan had struck the railroad at Appo- 
mattock Station, drove the enemy from there, and captured 
twenty-five pieces of artillery, a hospital train, and four 
trains of cars loaded with supplies for Lee's arm)'. Sheridan, 
in a characteristic dispatch to Grant, says : " Custer is still 
pushing on. If General Gibbon and the Fifth Corps can 
get up to-night, we will perhaps finish the job in the 



76 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, [April, 

morning." The following morning General Orel's command 
and the Fifth Corps reached Appomattox Station just as the 
eneni)' was making a desperate effort to break through our 
cavalry. The infantry was at once thrown in. Sheridan 
then moved his troops around to the enemy's left and decided 
to attack at once. Just as Custer's division was forming to 
charge, a white flag appeared, and Custer sent word to Sheri- 
dan : " Lee has surrendered ; do not charge; the white flag 
is up." Sheridan immediately rode over to Appomattox 
Court House, where he was met by General Gordon, who 
requested a suspension of hostilities with the assurance that 
negotiations were then pending between Generals Grant and 
Lee for a capitulation. General Ord then joined the party. 
After shaking hands all around, and explaining the situation 
to Ord, General Gordon went away, agreeing to return in 
half an hour. When he came back at the appointed time 
he was accompanied by General Longstreet, who brought 
with him a dispatch, the duplicate of one that had been sent 
General Grant through General Meade's lines back on the 
road over which Lee had been retreating. This dispatcii 
read as follows : 

" I received your note of this morning on the picket-line, 
whither I had come to meet you, and ascertain definitely 
what terms were embraced in your proposal of yesterday 
with reference to the surrender of this army. I now ask an 
interview in accordance with the offer contained in your let- 
ter of yesterday for that purpose." 

General Grant joined Sheridan and Ord about one o'clock 
in the afternoon, and in company they proceeded to the 



1S65.] FIRST R. I. LIGHT ARTII.I.KRV. 77 

dwelling of a Mr. McClean at Appomattox Court House.^ 
The interview here between the two commanders was brief, 
the business in hand frankly discussed, as became soldiers, 
and the result summed up in these concluding letters : 

AlM'ii.MXI 1()\ Col KT HoLsi;, \'.\., 
Al'KIL 9, 1865, 

(JKXERAr. : In accrtiilance with the substance of my letter to you ot 
the Sth instant, I propose to receive the surrender ot the Army of North- 
ern Virginia on the following terms, to wit : Rolls of all the officers and 
men to be made in duplicate: one copy to be >j;iven to an olVicer to be 
designated b\- me, the other to be retained by such otfijer or officers as 
you may designate. The officers to give their individual paroles not to 
take up arms against the Government of tiie I'nited States until properly 
exchanged : and each company or regimental commander sign a like 
parole for the men of their commands. The arms, avtillery, and public 
property to be parked and stacked, and turned o\er to the olficers 
appointed by me to receive thtm. This will not embrace the side-arms of 
the officers, nor their private horses or baggage. This done, each officer 
and man will be allowed to return to his home, not to be disturbeti b\ 
United States authority so long as they observe their paroles and the laws 
in force wliere they may reside. 

U. S. (iRANT, 

Lt. (icii. 
General R. E. Lee. 

HEADt^l ARTERS Ar.MV OI" NORTHERN \'lR(;iXIA, 

April 9, 1S65. 
General: I received you letter (jf this date, containing the terms of 
the surrenderor the Army of Northern N'irginiaas proposed by you. As 
thev are substantially the same as those expressed in your letter of the 
Sth instant, they are accepted. I will proceed immediately to designate 
the proper officers to carry the stipulations into efiect. 

R. E. LEE, Gciivral. 
Lt. -General I'. S. (Jrant. 



78 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, [April, 

Let us now return to Battery H, which was moving on the 
road toward Appomattox. We had proceeded but a few 
miles when we heard the sound of cannon to our right and 
left, and we could not rid ourselves of the impression that 
the end of the continuous fighting of the past seven days 
was not far off. We knew that Grant had dogged the foot- 
steps of the retreating foe with unrelenting vigor, and that 
Lee's chances of escape were still growing less as the Union 
army pushed on, but we did not anticipate that before the 
sun had set on this eventful day that the Confederate host 
would lay down their arms and surrender to the Union 
forces. 

On every side there were manifest indications of the utter 
demoralization of the rebel troops. Already weakness and 
fatigue had compelled many of them to throw away the arms 
which they were no longer able to carry, and hundreds of 
Confederate soldiers were lying by the roadside completely 
e.xhausted. A large number of cannon and ammunition 
wagons were scattered around in great confusion, as the 
horses were too weak to haul them, and had been cut loose. 
The ammunition had been scattered broadcast, the guns 
spiked, and some were buried in order to render them useless 
to our army. About eleven o'clock General Grant and staff, 
bespattered with mud, came galloping along, and passing us, 
disappeared in the direction of Appomattox. What move- 
ment was now on foot we could only conjecture, but of this 
much we were confident that the silent and modest chieftain 
who was riding swiftly by had Lee in his power, and would 
soon bring matters to a crisis. 



1865.] FIRST R. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. 79 

At ten o'clock our battery and about six thousand infantry, 
and cavalry of the Sixth Corps were ordered to file off into 
an open field on our right, and await further orders, and the 
commanding officers were directed to proceed to headquar- 
ters about half a mile awav. It was evident that somethins: 
unusual was about to transpire. We remained in this posi- 
tion until about three o'clock in the afternoon, when Gen. 
Frank Wheaton, our division commander, accompanied by 
his staff, came riding swiftly down the road and halted before 
our battery, and said: "Captain Allen, General Lee has 
surrendered ; get your battery out on \'onder hill and fire a 
salute of one hundred guns." 

Captain Allen turning to his command gave the order : 
" Battery attention ! " He then said : "Boys, General Lee 
has surrendered. No more fighting. Wc are going to let 
you go home. We have ordei's to fire a salute of one hun- 
dred guns." He then gave the command: " Drivers and 
cannoneers mount — forward double-quick — march ! " No 
words can describe the effect of such news upon the men of 
our battery and the soldie^s of the infantry near us. The 
men shouted, threw up their hats, the infantrymen flung 
down their muskets, hugged each other and rolled over on 
the ground in excess of joy. The men of our battery were 
so excited that the captain was compelled to repeat his order 
three times before it was obeyed. 

We were well pleased that to our battery was accorded the 
honor of firing the first salute to celebrate the glorious vic- 
tory won by the Union arms. The good news spread rap- 
idly along our lines, and the boys in gray also heard the joy- 



8o HISTORY OF BATTERY H, [April, 

fill tidings, and we have no doubt inwardly rejoiced in the 
thought that the long struggle was ended, and all would be 
allov/ed to return to their homes in peace. 

As we review the events whicli transpired at this time, 
we are impressed with this thought : Was ever such generous 
terms allowed or magnanimity displayed as was shown by 
Grant to Lee's defeated army? When informed by Lee that 
his troops were suffering for want of food. Grant directed 
that twenty-five thousand rations should be issued to the 
Confederate forces. In the meantime our soldiers hastened 
to divide their rations with their late enemies, to stay their 
hunger until provisions from the trains could be drawn for 
them. When Grant stipulated that the officers and men 
of Lee's army should retain their horses as they would be 
needed in raising a crop "to carry themselves andtheir fam- 
ilies through the ne.xt winter," it deeply touched the heart of 
Lee, who said that this kind and thoughtful act would have 
a happy effect upon his army. Grant did not lose sight of 
the fact that these men were Americans, and his own coun- 
trymen, and his noble soul could not suffer any indignity to 
be heaped upon his misguided but gallant foes. Washington 
received the surrender of the British army at Yorktown in 
the War of the Revolution, although his antagonist Lord 
Cornwallis affected indisposition and declined to be present 
in person, but Grant spared Lee this humiliation at Appo- 
mattox, and designated three of his subordinate generals to 
carry into effect the paroling of Lee's troops, while he him- 
self hastened to Washington to stop the purchase of sup- 
plies, and what he deemed other useless outlay of money. 



1865.] FIRST K. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. 8 1 

The final parting of Lee with his soldiers who hadfollowed 
him so faithfully during the entire war is said to have been 
very affecting. As the men crowded around their departing 
chief, he, with streaming eyes, grasped and pressed their out- 
stretched hands, saying : " Men, we have fought through 
the war together. I have done the best that I could for 
you." There were few dry eyes among those who witnessed 
the scene. The Confederates as fast as paroled took their 
way severally to their homes, many of them supplied with 
transportation, as well as food, by the government they had 
fought so long and bravely to destroy. 

On the iith of April our corps was ordered to march to 
Burkeville Station. We started at eight a. m., marched seve- 
ral miles and encamped. The next day, the 12th, we con- 
tinued our march, and reached our destination on the 13th. 
This was a charming place, evidently a large and well 
ordered plantation before the war. Here we remained seve- 
ral days, enjoying to the utmost a much needed rest. 

On the 15th we learned with profound sorrow and great 
indignation of the assassination of our beloved president 
Abraham Lincoln, at the hands of the miscreant Booth. It 
seemed almost incredible that this generous spirit, who in 
the words of his own declaration, " with charity to all, with 
malice toward none," should have met such an untimely end 
when he was about to enter into the full fruition of the 
reward of his labors in the preservation of a " government 
of the people, for the people, and by the people." 

On the 22d of April Captain Allen forwarded the follow- 
ing report to the Adjutant General of the State of Rhode 



82 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, [April, 

Island, concerning the movements of Battery H from the 
1st to the 13th of April, 1S65 : 

Battery H, ist R. I. Lt. Artillery, 

Artillery Brigade, 6tii Corps, 

BURKEVILLE JlXCTION". A'A. 

April 2 2d, 1S65. 

General : I have the honor to submit the following- report of the part 
taken by my battery during the recent battles between April ist and i3thT 
1865. On the evening of April ist I received orders to join the First 
Division of the Sixth Corps, which I did at twelve p. m. of that day. 

At 4.30 A. .M., April 2d, I mo\ed forward ^vith the Division ; and after 
crossing the rifle-pits opened upon a section of artiller\' which had a flank 
fire on our infantry. They were soon driven oft", when I ceased firing, 
moved to the left brought up the caissons and awaited further orders. I 
then moved the battery forward with the skirmish line, and we soon 
engaged with one of the enemy's batteries. This battery soon had to lea\e 
its position. I followed it up until I arrived at the Whitworth House, 
where I went into position. The enemy placed a rifle battery in position 
on my left, and obtained an enfilading fire upon my battery at seventeen 
hundred yards. Being beyond my extreme range I was ordered by Major 
Cowan to withdraw my' guns, and went into park in rear of First 
Division headquarters for the night. 

In this day's action I lost four men killed : Privates Gerritt S. Hill, 
Thomas Carter, Charles Vaslett, and Eben Tongue.* Wounded : Sergt. 
Esek S. Owen, slightly'; Corp. John P. Campbell, 2d, severely; Privates 
Gideon W. Arnold, Michael Barry, and William Freeborn, slightly, and 
William II. Stone, severely. 

April 6th, I went into action at Sailor's Run Creek, remaining half an 
hour; no casualties. From April ist to 13th, I have expended six hun- 
dred and thirty rounds of ammunition. Great credit is due to mv 
officers and men for the manner in which the\' behaved while under a 
very hot fire. 

I remain. Cieneral, 

\'ery respectfully- yours, 
CRAWFORD ALLEX, JR., 
Capidiii i.</ R. I. T.t. Artil/rrv, Co//uf'^, Co. 
To Brigadier-General E. C. Mauran, 
Ad//. General State of R. I. 

* This is an error. Private Ehen Toncfue was not killed. He was severelv w-ounded. 



1865.] FIRST R. I. LIGEiT ARTF[.I.KUV. 83 

It was not known whether General Johnston would surren- 
der on hearing the news of Lee's capitulation, and if he did 
not Burkeville Station was the natural point from which to 
attack him. General Sheridan with his cavalry and the 
Sixth Corps was instructed to proceed to Greensboro, North 
Carolina, for the purpose of aiding General Sherman in 
hastening the surrender of Johnston. 

At half-past six o'clock on the morning of the 23d the 
Sixth Corps started from Burkeville Station, our battery 
being attached to the First Brigade, First Division, which 
led the advance. We marched rapidly toward Danville, and 
camped for the night near Keyes Station. 

On the 24th, we marched at 6.50 a. m., to Clark's Ferry, on 
the Stanton River, a branch of the Roanoke River, and 
encamped for the night on the road to Danville. 

April 25th, we marched twenty-one miles and camped for 
the night near Halifax Court House. Before going into 
camp we passed by an old farm-house, and in the doorway 
sat an old lady knitting. She said to us : "Where did all 
you Yankees spring from .' Did you spring out of the 
ground ? God bless you, boys, I wish you all good luck. It 
does my soul good to see the old flag once more. Peace has 
come at last. Thank God the war is over at last." 

The morning of the 26th at half past seven o'clock 
found 'us on the march. We reached the town of Halifax, 
where we met a large number of soldiers from Johnston's 
army going to our rear, and they informed us that Johnston 
would soon surrender, and they were going home. They 
appeared to be contented that the war was drawing to a close. 



84 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, [April, 

We arrived at Danville at five o'clock on the afternoon of 
the 27th. This town appeared to have been quite a business 
place before the war. Five railroads centred here, and the 
surroundings were very pleasant. A printing-office was 
discovered which was taken possession of by our troops, and 
a paper issued called " TJie Sixth Army Corpse Some of 
our cavalry who had preceded us liberated the Union pris- 
oners who had been confined in the slave-pen here. We 
encamped on the west side of the town. 

April 28th, the official report of the surrender of General 
Johnston's army was read to our battery at assembly call. 
We immediately moved into the town and fired a salute in 
honor of the surrender. General Sheridan with his cavalry 
had now arrived at South Boston, on the Dan River. On 
receiving a dispatch from Washington announcing the sur- 
render of Johnston's army, Sheridan returned with his cav- 
alry to Petersburg. 



^^^^v] FIRST R. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. 85 



CHAPTER X. 



Return to Citv Point — March to Richmond — From 
THENCE to Washington — Returning Homeward — 
Muster-out. 

NOW that the two principal armies of the Confederacy 
had surrendered to the Union forces, the ultimate 
end of the Rebellion was a foregone conclusion, and 
the thoughts of muster-out and return home became upper- 
most in all our minds. We enjoyed several days' rest at 
Danville before a retrogade movement was made. 

On the morning of the 2d of May, in conjunction with 
the First Brigade of the First Division of the Si.xth Corps, 
we started on our return march, camping at night at Laurel 
Hill. The next day (3d) we marched twenty-one miles, 
crossing Banister River at nightfall and went into camp. 
On the 4th we marched as far as Staunton, and camped for 
the night on the banks of the river near the railroad. Here 
we observed an extensive line of rifle-pits which had been 
constructed 'by the Confederates to defend the bridge and 
the railway at this point. On the 5th crossed the Staunton 
River on pontoons, and moved to Keyes's Station, arriving 
there about three o'clock in the afternoon. After a short 



86 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, [May, 

stav here we marched a few miles further on, to obtain 
good water, and encamped about six p. m. 

May 6th, we broke camp at 7.30 a. m., and arrived at 
Burkeville Station at two o'clock in the afternoon. After 
a brief halt we moved two miles beyond and encamped. 
We were informed that the War Department had ordered 
the discharge of all men in the army as soon as possible, 
with the exception of regular troops. We remained here 
several days. 

On the morning of the 15th we were ordered to hitch up, 
marched to the station, and loaded our battery, comprising 
the pieces and limber chests on the train for City Point. 
On the 20th of May we left Burkeville Station at seven 
A. M., and marched toward City Point. On the 22d, the bat- 
tery, with the Sixth Corps, arrived at City Point at three 
o'clock in the afternoon. 

On the 23d of May the Army of the Potomac under 
Meade, with the exception of the Sixth Corps, passed in 
review before President Johnson and his cabinet in Wash- 
ington. It was witnessed by thousands of spectators, and 
is said to have been grand and impressive. It occupied 
over six hours in passing the grand stand which had been 
erected in front of the President's house. 

On the morning of the 24th, Sherman's army commenced 
at ten o'clock to pass in review. The appearance of this 
army was in striking contrast to that of the Army of the 
Potomac the day before. The latter troops had been op- 
erating where full supplies of food and clothing had been 
regularly received from the North, while Sherman's army, 



1S65.] FIRST K. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. 87 

being far from its base of supplies, were not so well dressed 
as their comrades of the Army of the Potomac, and were fo 
a great extent compelled to obtain their food from the 
country through which they passed. Perhaps they did not 
keep the perfect alignment of the well drilled troops of the 
Army of the Potomac, but nevertheless the marching of the 
Western army could not be excelled, and it was thoroughly 
drilled to endure hardships, either by long and continuous 
marches or through exposure to any climate without the 
ordinary shelter of a camp. 

On the 25th of May, we painted the battery preparatory to 
going on review with the Sixth Corps in Washington. May 
27th, we marched from City Point at seven a. m., and camped 
for the night near the outskirts of the town of Manchester. 

On the 28th, we marched through ^lanchester, crossing 
the James River on pontoons, and marching up the main 
street of Richmond which had been the objective point of 
the Army of the Potomac for so many long years, we passed 
through and encamped outside the city. 

We observed in Richmond the devastation made by the 
recent conflagration. It was said by an eye witness that on 
the evacuation of the place by the rebel army that an order 
was issued from General Ewell's headquarters to fire the 
four principal tobacco warehouses of the city. The mayor 
dispatched by a committee of citizens a remonstrace against 
this reckless military order, but it was not heeded, and noth- 
ing was left but to submit to the destruction of their prop- 
erty. The authorities had taken the precaution to empty 
all the liquor into the streets, and to throw out the provis- 



88 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, [June, 

ions which the Confederate government had left for the peo- 
ple to gather up. Some of the retreating rebel soldiers man- 
aged to get hold of a quantity of liquor, and from that mo- 
ment law and order ceased to exist. Many of the stores 
were pillaged, and the sidewalks were encumbered with 
broken glass where the thieves had smashed the windows in 
their reckless haste to lay hands on the plunder within. 
The air was filled with the wild cries of distress, or the yells 
of roving pillagers. When our forces entered the city on 
the morning of the 3rd of April, it was found to have been 
fired in two places, and the place was in the most utter con- 
fusion. Our troops immediately set to work to extinguish 
the flames, which they finally succeeded in accomplishing. 

May 29th, we moved to Hanover Court House and en- 
camped. 

On the 30th, we left Hanover Court House at seven o'clock 
in the morning, crossed the Pamunkey River on pontoons, 
marched a short distance, and encamped for the night. At 
eight o'clock the next morning (31st) we crossed the Matta- 
pony River, directed our march toward Bowling Green, and 
camped there for the night. 

June I St, found the battery marching toward Fredericks- 
burg; on the 2d, we were at Dumfries; on the 3d, at Fairfax 
Court House ; on the 4th, at Hall's Hill. On the 7th, we 
reached Long Bridge at Washington, where we went into 
camp. On the 8th, the Sixth Corps, which was necessarily 
absent on the occasion of the great review of the Army of 
the Potomac on the 23d of May, now passed in review before 
the President. The troops made a fine appearance, and their 



1865.] FIRST R. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. 89 

marching and perfect alignment received favorable comments^ 
from the spectators along the route of march. Our battery 
was excused from participation in the review. 

At ten o'clock on the morning of the 9th, an order came 
directing Captain Allen to march his battery to the Arsenal 
at Washington, and turn the guns and equipage over to the 
commanding officer there, and the horses were turned into 
the general corrall. We returned to camp about four i-. nl 
Private Franklin P. Burlingame came out to visit us, he hav- 
ing been on detached service in the adjutant-general's office 
in the War Department since the fall of 1863, when our bat- 
tery lay at Fort Scott. 

June 1 2th still found our battery in camp near Long 
Bridge. Private Earl Fenner, who was orderly at headquar- 
ters, imparted the joyful information to us about nightfall 
that our battery had been ordered to proceed to Washington 
on the following day, at noon, and take the cars for Provi- 
dence, R. I. These glad tidings induced the men to strike 
up the familiar song: 

'• When Jolinnie conies Marchin<; Home ! " 

On the morning of the 13th, there was hurry and bustle in 
the various camps in our neighborhood. Preparations were 
being made to cross over Long Bridge into Washington, and 
from thence the different organizations would proceed on 
their homeward journey. At 12.30 we received orders to 
pack knapsacks, strike tents, and turn over all property 
belonging to the government to Quartermaster Sergeant 
Allen, and be ready to fall in at a moment's notice. At 



90 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, [June, 

two o'clock we bade adieu to old Virginia, and, marching into 
Washington, proceeded to the depot, and, at six p. m., boarded 
the train, with our faces toward the north, and our destina- 
tion Rhode Island. While crossing the switch just out of 
Washington, a passenger train on the switch approached us 
from the opposite direction. There being but one track it 
should have waited on the upper end of the switch until our 
train had passed. The danger signal was up and could be 
seen a long distance, but instead of heeding the signal the 
passenger train from Baltimore came thundering along, and 
a frightful collision ensued. The locomotive of the passen- 
ger train struck our train in the centre, demolishing three 
cars, and resulted in the loss of thirty-four men killed and 
wounded. Ambulances from Washington were immediately 
dispatched to the scene, and removed the wounded. 

Although none of Battery H were injured it was a sad 
sight to see our comrades of other commands after passing 
through all the dangers and vicissitudes of war, killed and 
mutilated in a railroad accident while returning to their 
homes. Comrade George F. Woodley, for many years since 
the war an honored citizen of Providence, was on board this 
train, and his escape from immediate death was almost 
miraculous. He was a member of Battery A, First New 
Jersey Artillery. He was sitting with a comrade on the top 
of a freight car, with a rubber blanket thrown over both of 
them as a protection from the rain. When the collision 
occurred his companion was instantly killed, while Comrade 
Woodley sustained a dislocation of the shoulder, besides 
receiving severe bruises. Just after midnight the track was 
cleared and we started on our way again. 



1S65.I FIRST K. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. 9 1 

At sunrise on the 14th, we arrived in Baltimore, marehecl 
through the city, and embarked on the cars for Philadelphia. 
We arrived in that city about eleven a. m. After disembark- 
ing from the cars we received a royal welcome from the good 
people of this city while on our way to the famous Cooper 
Shop, so well known to every Union soldier who passed 
through Philadelphia on his way to and from the seat of war. 
Here we found a bountiful collation awaiting us. After par- 
taking of this welcome repast we continued on our way, 
and about four o'clock in the afternoon took the train for 
New York, arriving there about dark, and cjuartcred for the 
night in the barracks at Castle Garden. 

At three o'clock on the afternoon of the 15th, we left 
Castle Garden and marched to the wharf of the Neptune line 
of steamers, and embarked on the propeller Galatea for 
Providence. We were accompanied by Battery G, First 
Rhode Island Light Artillery. We left New York at five 
p. >L, and arrived in Providence Friday morning, June i6th. 
A salute was fired in honor of our arrival, and, under escort 
of the Burnside Zouaves we marched to Washington Hall, 
where an elegant collation had been provided under the 
direction of the Commissary-General of the State. We 
were welcomed by Adjutant-General Edward C. Mauran, and 
then partook of the refreshments before us, after which we 
marched to the Silvey Barracks on the Cove lands, and were 
dismissed until the 28th of June, when we were ordered to 
report at the same place for final muster out. We were 
subsequently ordered to report on South Main Street, July 
3d, where we received our discharge papers, and were paid 
off and mustered out of service. 



92 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, [June, 

The following ofificers and men returned to Rhode Island 
with the battery : 

Captain. 
Crawford Allen, Jr. 

First Lieutenants. 

Walter M. Knight, 

Allen Hoar. 

Second Lieutenant. 
Anthony B. Horton. 

First Sergeant. 
John P. Campbell, ist. 

Quartermaster Sergeant. 
Albert F. Allen. 

Sergeants. 
First Duty Sergeant, . . Thomas Smith. 

Second Duty Sergeant, . . Benjamin Carter. 
Third Duty Sergeant, . . Esek S. Owen. 

Fourth Duty Sergeant, . . Gardner L. Bennett. 
Fifth Duty Sergeant, . . Apollos Seekell. 

Corporals. 

William H. Springer, James H. Rhodes, 

Jon Randall, Franklin E. Paul, 

Hurbert Ochee, Alexander Gilleland, 

Michael Crogan, Earl Fenner, 

Hiram A. Casey, Isaac Briggs, 

Marvin Ryan. John P. Campbell, 2d. 



1865.] 



FIRST R. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. 

Buglers. 



93 



Frank Dawsox, 

Samuel T. Allex, 

Adams, George A. 
Aldex, Warner 
Alderwick, George 
Arnold, Gideon W. 
Arnold, Henry O. 
Balcom, Orville 
Barry, John 
Barry, Michael 
Barry, William 
Bean, Asa S. 
Begley, Michael 
Bishop, John 
Blabon, George R. 
Briggs, Horace C. 
Bro\yx, Fraxcis a. 
Brown, William S. 

BUTTERFIELD, FrANCIS 

Butts, Horace R. 
BvRNs, Bernard 
Caswell, Joseph 
Chapman, Cornelius 
Cheeyer, Emolus a. 
Cheney, ^Ioses B. 



Charles S. Stringer. 



Artificers. 



Leon Allison. 



Privates. 

Close, Solomon 
Coffee, Daniel 
Conner, Stephen H. 
Cross, George G. 
Cutting, Erastus 
Dailey, Patrick 
Dawley, Franklin W. 
Dougherty, Charles 
Dunn, Robert 
i'lxsterday, christian 
Ellison, Charles J. 
Evans, John 
Farrell, Patrick 
P'ox, Michael 
Fox, Peter 
P'lovd, Horace F. 
H. Gardner, Peter 

Gilbert, William G. 
Gladding, James M. 
Goodrich, Sydney A. 
Graham, Michael 
Grey, John A. 
Haradon, George W. 



94 



HISTORY OF BATTERY H, 



[June, 



Hardox, Rufus p. 
Hart, Thomas 
Haskins, Amos H. 
Hayfield, Isaac F. 
Hayfield, James F. 
Hazelton, Andre\y 
Heckman, David 
HiGGiNs, John 
HixoN, William M. 
Howard, Henry I. 
Howard, William E. 
Howe, Charles W. 
Jack, Robert 
Jackson, Rowland 
Johnson, Edwtn C. 
Kennedy, John 
Kettelle, John B. F. 
Knowles, Henry L. 
Laugherty, Robert 
Lawton, Edward N. 
Leonard, John 
Lewis, John 
Lillibridge, Jacob L. 
Lucas, Albert B. 
Mahon, Thomas 
Martin, Thomas H. 
McComb, William 
McGuire, Bernard 
Miirrills, Henry 



Millard, Charles E. 
Murphy, Daniel 
Newman, John C. 
Northrop, Edwin 
NoYEs, Isaac P. 
O'CoNNERS, Thomas 
Packard, George W. 
Pearsons, John 
Phillips, Luther A. 
Pitts, George H. 
Price, Ellery W. 
Rearey, James 
Reed, William 
Ryan, Cornelius 
Sampson, John A. 
Schenck, Aaron B. 
Sheffield, Josiah 
Smith, Frederic A. 
Smith, George H. 
Snell, Otis 
Sprague, Charles 
Stafford, Levi 
Stone, William H. 
Taber, Otis 
Tasker, William H. 
Taft, John 

Thornley, William H. 
TooD, James W. 
Tongue, Eben 



1S65.] FIRST R. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. 95 

TwEEDALE Charles Wade, James 
TwEEDLE, William B. Waldex, Josei'h, Jr. 
Vallette, Gilbert P. Ward, John- 
Vaughn, Albert A. Wells, Albert 
Vaughn, Charles D. White, William H. 
Venner, John F. Wood, James 
Vincent, Charles Woodward, Alden H. 

As has already been mentioned Battery H was the last 
battery sent out from Rhode Island, and it labored under 
many disadvantages. It suffered severely by the desertion 
of men who enlisted solely for the bounty obtained, and 
many incurred physical disability incident to the service, 
causing their transfer to the Veteran Reserve Corps. All 
these circumstances contributed to weaken the battery for 
effective work, and we were unable to show such a long and 
honorable record as the majority of our Rhode Island bat- 
teries won on many hotly contested fields, yet every true sol- 
dier of our battery may take pride in the consciousness that 
he faithfully performed every duty and task assigned him, 
and that his name is recorded on the rolls as among those 
who risked their lives in the defense of constitutional liberty 
in the dark hours of the nation's peril, and although ours 
may have been the humbler service, yet we stood ready to 
offer our all for home and fatherland. 



MEMOIRS. 



MEMOIRS. 



[We liave inserted sketches of the officers and men ot tlie battery so far 
as obtainable.] 

JEFFREY HAZARD. 

Capt. Jeffrey Hazard, son of John Hazard, and grand- 
son of Governor Jeffrey Hazard, was born in the town of 
E.xeter, R. I., on the 23d day of September, 1835.- His 
elder brother, John G. Hazard, served with distinction in the 
War of the Rebellion, rising from the rank of first lieuten- 
ant to brevet brigadier-general of volunteers. The subject 
of our sketch obtained his education at the Providence High 
School, and, previous to the war, was a teller in the Manu- 
facturers' Bank. 

He received a commission as second lieutenant in Battery 
A, First Rhode Island Light Artillery, Oct. 5, 1861, and 
was subsequently appointed regimental adjutant. He par- 
ticipated with his battery in many engagements. Among 
these may be mentioned Balls Bluff, Yorktown, Fair Oaks, 
Malvern Hill, and Antietam. At the latter battle the bat- 
tery won for itself great renown, holding an advanced posi- 
tion under a heavy fire from the enemy. It fought nearly 



lOO HISTORY OF BATTERY H, 

four hours within three hundred yards of the enemy's line of 
battle, losing four men killed and fifteen wounded. The 
only officers of the battery present with Captain Tompkins 
were lieutenants Hazard and Mason, who brav^ely worked 
the guns for want of men. 

On the ist of October, 1862, Lieutenant Hazard was pro- 
moted to the captaincy of Battery H, to fill the vacancy 
occasioned by the resignation of Capt. C. H. J. Hamlin. 
Captain Hazard immediately proceeded to Rhode Island, 
joined the battery at Camp Mauran, and assumed command. 
Shortly after his arrival he was ordered by the governor to 
proceed with his battery to the Dexter Training Ground, 
where the Twelfth Rhode Island Infantry was encamped. 
Trouble was anticipated in regard to bounties, which had 
been* promised the men before leaving the State. Four 
guns of the battery were placed at the corners of the 
grounds ready to repel any mutiny that might arise. Hap- 
pily no blood was shed, and Captain Hazard returned with 
his command to Camp Mauran. 

Oct. 23, 1862, Captain Hazard's battery left Providence 
for Washington, D. C, and proceeded to the artillery camp 
of instruction. Camp Barry. While stationed here the bat- 
tery attained great efficiency in drill and discipline, due in 
great measure to the indefatigable efforts of its commander. 

At the time of the battle of Chancellorsville Captain 
Hazard, with one section of his battery, was ordered to Rap- 
pahannock Station, where it remained nine days with the 
Twelfth Vermont Infantry, for the purpose of guarding the 
river at that point. 



FIRST R. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. lOI 

On the 29th of June, we find Captain Hazard with his 
battery on Little River Turnpike in the vicinity of Forts 
Worth and Ward, where it was engaged in supporting the 
picket line, as it was apprehended that the enemy, who were 
reconnoitering on the turnpike, might be seeking to force an 
entrance within our lines at that point. Commendable men- 
tion is made of the services rendered by Battery H at this 
time by Colonel Abbott, commanding the brigade to which 
the battery was attached. 

On the 17th of August, Captain Hazard resigned his com- 
mission and took his departure on the evening of that date. 
The battery deplored the loss of its commander, for by his 
energy and ability he had labored to bring it to a high state 
of proficiency, and he had the satisfaction of knowing that 
it was unsurpassed by any of the volunteer batteries stationed 
around Washington. 

On his retirement from the army Captain Hazard engaged 
in mercantile pursuits, and is now the senior member of the 
well known firm of the Hazard Cotton Company, cotton 
merchants, in the city of Providence. 

He is connected with the Massachusetts Commandery 
Loyal Legion of the United States, and is a member of 
Prescott Post, No. i. Department of Rhode Island, Grand 
Army of the Republic. 

He is a member of the Providence Board of Trade, and 
held the office of president in 1887-S. 



I02 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, 

CRAWFORD ALLEN, JR. 

LiEUT.-CoL. Crawford Allen, Jr., was born in Provi- 
dence, R. L, April 2, 1840. He is the son of Crawford and 
Sarah S. Allen, and grandson of the late Rev. Nathan B. 
Crocker. He received his education at Brown University, 
and, upon leaving that institution, he traveled in Europe, 
and subsequently made a voyage to China, visiting various 
islands in the East Indies. He afterwards went to Cali- 
fornia, and was in the city of San Francisco upon the 
breaking out of the Rebellion. He immediately returned 
to Rhode Island, and received a commission as second lieu- 
tenant in Battery G, First Rhode Island Light Artillery, 
Nov. 7, 1 861. This battery proceeded to Washington Dec. 
7, 1861. It took part with the Army of the Potomac in the 
campaign on the Peninsula. It withdrew from the Penin- 
sula, marching by way of Yorktown to Hampton, where it 
embarked for Alexandria. The guns were sent forward by 
transports, in charge of Lieutenant Allen. At the battle of 
Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862, the battery under Captain Owen 
fought with great bravery. This battery also performed 
good service at the second battle of Fredericksburg, May 
2d and 3d, 1863, when Lieutenant Allen received a slight 
wound. 

Shortly after this battle Lieutenant Allen was made adju- 
tant of the regiment, and acting adjutant-general of the 
Artillery Brigade Si.xth Army Corps, which positions he 
continued to hold until Sept. 30, 1863, when he was i)ro- 



FIRST K. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. IO3 

moted to the captaincy of Battery H, to fill the vacancy 
occasioned by the resignation of Captain Hazard. Captain 
Allen was mustered into Battery H Oct. i, 1863. Captain 
Allen commanded Fort Richardson, near the falls of the 
Potomac, for several months. 

A correspondent of the Providence Press, writing from 
Camp Barry, under date of November 30th, says : 

"Captain Allen, in the time he has been with us, has 
shown himself quite efficient as a commander, as well as 
exceedingly popular with the men." 

In the battle before Petersburg, Va., April 2, 1865, Cap- 
tain Allen with his battery bore an honorable part. The 
battery went into action at four a. y\., with one section under 
the immediate command of Captain Allen. It moved for- 
ward with the division, and, after crossing the rifle-pits, 
opened upon a section of rebel artillery which had a flank 
fire on the Federal infantry. It was soon driven off, 
when the battery ceased firing, moved to the left, towards 
Hatcher's Run, bringing up the caissons and awaited 
orders. It then moved forward again with the skirmish line 
and engaged with a rebel battery, which soon had to leave 
its position. It was followed up until arriving at the Whit- 
worth House, where the battery went into position, near the 
house which General Lee (Confederate) had occupied as his 
headquarters. The enemy had placed a rifle battery in posi- 
tion on the left, and obtained an enfilading fire at one thou- 
sand seven hundred yards. As the rebel battery was beyond 
the extreme range of our guns, Captain Allen went to Cap- 
tain Adams of Battery G, of our regiment, and requested 



I04 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, 

him to open fire upon the enemy. Captain Adams immedi- 
ately opened on the rebel battery and soon silenced its 
fire. 

Captain Allen was then ordered by Major Cowan to with- 
draw his guns, which he did, and went into park in rear of 
his First Division headquarters for the night. In this day's 
action four men and ten horses were killed, and six men 
wounded. 

General Wheaton, commanding the First Division of the 
Sixth Corps, in his report to Major Whittlesey, under date 
of the 15th of April, says : 

" During our advance towards Petersburg Capt. Crawford 
Allen Jr.'s Battery H, of the First Rhode Island Artillery, 
was admirably handled, and his losses were severe. His 
guns were always in front, frequently in advance of the 
skirmishers ; and as our lines moved forward he invariably 
forced the enemy's batteries to retire, and followed them 
closely. Earlier in the day, when the assault commenced, 
Captain Allen very handsomely compelled a section of the 
enemy's artillery to retire. If these guns, occupying one of 
their intrenched works and thoroughly enfilading our lines, 
had not been silenced, they might have materially retarded 
our advance." 

Captain Allen was promoted major for gallantry and meri- 
torious services before Petersburg. He subsequently 
received the brevet rank of lieutenant-colonel. 

At the surrender of Lee's army at Appomattox Court 
House, to Captain Allen with his battery was accorded the 
honor of firing the first salute in honor of the victory. 



FIRST R. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. IO5 

clemi:nt webstrr. 

First Lieut. Clement Webster, son of Stephen and 
Lydia (Kimball) Webster, was born in Kennebunk, Me., 
Oct. 16, 1817. He attended the public schools of Kenne- 
bunk in his youth, and later, a seminary at Leamington, Mc. 
He learned the trade of printer in Saco, Me., where he and 
his brother Stephen started the York County Herald, a 
weekly paper. About the year 1841 or 1842, he removed to 
Providence, R. L, where he worked at his trade as a printer, 
and was also for a time employed in the Providence post- 
ofifice. He started the Providence Daily Post as editor, and 
was with the exception of brief intervals, its editor until 
his death. 

In the early period of the war he received a commission in 
the Third Rhode Island Heavy Artillery, but Governor 
Sprague insisted that he should remain in Rhode Island, 
where he considered tliat he could be of greater service with 
his voice and pen, than in the field. Nevertheless later on 
he was desirous of taking a more active ]:)art in the Union 
cause, and accordingly was commissioned a first lieutenant 
in Battery H, First Rhode Island Light Artillery. He was 
mustered into the service Oct. 14, 1862, but did not enter 
the field, and resigned his commission Feb. 7, 1863, in con- 
sequence of ill health. He died at Providence, R. I., Oct. 
16, 1864. 

He married Catherine P. Littlefield, of New Shoreham, 
R. I., May 15, 1839, by whom he had two sons. The elder 
son, Benjamin F., died at Pro\-idence in 1861. The other 



106 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, 

SOU, George E., after the death of his father became private 
secretary to Governor (then Senator) William Sprague, and 
was clerk of the Senate Committee of which the Senator 
was chairman during the session of 1864-65. He after- 
wards entered the Pension Bureau, where (interrupted by 
secret service work) he remained until the winter of 1871-72. 
He is at the present time (1894) clerk of the Common 
Pleas Division of the Supreme Court of this State. 

Lieutenant Webster remarried Oct. 21, 1858, and of this 
marriage one child, Arthur M., was born. He died while a 
member of the Junior Class in Brown University. 



CHARLES F. MASON. 

First Lieut. Charles F. Mason, son of Earl P. and Ann 
(Larcher) Mason, was born in Providence, R. I., March 30, 
1842. He is descended from good stock, his ancestor, Samp- 
son Mason, being a dragoon in Cromwell's army, the famous 
" Ironsides." He came to this country in 1649, ^^'^ settled 
in Dorchester, Mass., and afterwards removed to Seekonk, 
and thence to Rehoboth. The father of Lieutenant Mason 
was a prominent business man in Providence, being inti- 
mately identified with various railroad, steamship, and com.- 
mercial interests, besides being connected with the cele- 
brated firm of Mason, Chapin & Co., a house which still 
controls an immense trade in drugs, dye-stuffs, and chemi- 
cals. 



FIRST R. I. UGIIT ARTILLERY. IO7 

The subject of our sketch was educated at Merrick and 
Emory Lyon's University Grammar School, in this city, 
and subsequently entered Brown University, graduating in 
the class of '6r. 

Lieutenant Mason entered the service as second lieuten- 
ant of Battery A, First Rhode Lsland Light Artillery, Dec. 
24, 1861. He was present with his battery in the Penin- 
sular campaign, and distinguished himself by his gallantry 
at the battle of Antietam, Md., where he personally assisted 
in working the guns, rendered necessary by the want of men. 
He was promoted to first lieutenant Oct. i, 1862, and was 
subsequently transferred to l^attery H, and mustered in 
Oct. 15, 1862. 

Upon the resignation of Captain Hazard, Lieutenant 
Mason assumed command of the battery until the arrival 
of Capt. Crawford Allen, Jr., who had been appointed to 
succeed Captain Hazard. 

In November, 1863, he was appointed on the staff of Col. 
Charles H. Tompkins, Chief of the Artillery Brigade, Sixth 
Army Corps, where he served with honor until he resigned 
his commission, April 21, 1864. 

Lieutenant Mason is now prominently engaged in busi- 
ness in Providence, R. L He is President of the Rhode 
Lsland Locomotive Works, and Treasurer of the Bolton 
Manufacturing Company. He is also connected with vari- 
ous commercial and mercantile enterprises. Pie is a mem- 
ber of the Providence Board of Trade. 



lOS IIISTOKV OF BATTERY H, 

GEORGE W. BLAIR. 

First Lieut. George W. Blair, son of William and 
Zilphia.(Ross) Blair, was born in Woolwich, l\Ie., May 28, 
1835. His grandfather, James Blair, was a soldier in the 
War of the Revolution, and was present at the battle of Bun- 
ker Hill. On his mother's side, his grandfather, Ebenezer 
Ross, served in the W^ar of 18 12. 

His parents removed to Bath, Me., when George was about 
four years of age, where he received a common school edu- 
cation. His father was a sea captain, and was lost at sea on 
a voyage from Bath to Baltimore. At the age of seventeen 
he learned the trade of blacksmithihg, of Duncan & Daven- 
port, of Bath, manufacturers of shipping supplies. He 
removed to Boston in 1856, and worked in the repair shop of 
the Eastern Railroad Company, East Boston. The follow- 
ing year he went to Providence, R. I., and was employed in 
the blacksmithing department of Thomas J. Hill's machine 
shop. He remained here until the breaking out of the 
Rebellion, when he enlisted as a private in the P^irst Rhode 
Island Light Battery, April 17, 1S61. The battery was mus- 
tered into service May 2, 1861, at the Patent Office, at Wash- 
ington, D. C. At the expiration of its term of service (Aug. 
6, 1 86 1), it was mustered out. Soon after his return to 
Rhode Island, he enlisted for three years as sergeant in Bat- 
tery B, P^irst Rhode Island Light Artillery, Aug. 13, 1861. 
While he was with this battery he participated in every 
engagement in which it took part. At the battle of Ball's 
Bluff, the battery received its first baptism of fire. In the 



FIRST R. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. I OQ 

Peninsular campaign it took part in the Siege of Yorktown, 
battles of Fair Oaks, Seven Pines, Peach Orchard, Savage's 
Station, White Oak I^ridge, Glendale, and Malvern Hill. 
It also distinguished itself at the battles of South Moun- 
tain, Antietam, and Fredericksburg. 

On. the 2d of December, 1862, Sergeant Blair was pro- 
moted to first sergeant, which position he held until dis- 
charged to accept an appointment as first lieutenant in l^at- 
tery I, of the same regiment, to date from Feb. 2, 1863. 
This battery was never organized, and he was subsequently 
transferred to Battery H, April 23, 1863. He served with 
credit in this battery, participating in the battles of the 
Wilderness and Spottsylvania Court House. He resigned 
his commission April 29, 1864. 

Shortly after his return north he was employed by the 
Fairbanks Scales Company, of Boston. He was afterwards 
appointed to the police force of that city, and served four 
years in that capacity. He then returned to his old position 
in the F'airbanks Scales Company. He was subsequently 
appointed special office]- of the property connected with the 
Old South Church, of Boston. 

About the year 1875, he removed to Providence and en- 
tered the employ of the Barstovv Stove Company, remaining 
there several years, when he went to Sing Sing, N. Y., and 
was appointed inspector of stove mountings in the prison, 
and in the employ of the Perry Stove Company, formerly of 
Albany, N. Y. He remained with this company two years, 
but in consequence of ill health he was compelled to relin- 
quish this position and returned to Providence, and entered 



IIO HISTORY OF BATTERY H, 

the employ of the Providence Furniture Company, and had 
charge of the Stove Department for several years. Since 
that time he has been employed as night watchman at the 
Weybosset Mills, Olneyville, R. I. 

Lieutenant Blair was at one time a member of Slocum 
Post, in Providence, but soon after the organization of Arnold 
Post, he was transferred to the latter post, where he has ever 
since retained his membership. He has held the several 
positions of adjutant, junior and senior vice commanders, 
and commander. He has also been president of Battery B 
Veteran Association. 



ELMER L. CORTHELL. 

Capt. Elmer L. Corthell enlisted as private in Bat- 
tery A, First Rhode Island Light Artillery, June 6, 1861. 
He was promoted to corporal soon after the first battle of 
Bull Run, and was transferred to Battery F, of the same reg- 
iment, Oct. 31, i86r, and appointed sergeant the same date. 
He was promoted to second lieutenant Oct. 11, 1862, and 
assigned to Battery H ; first lieutenant Nov. 6, 1863, and 
transferred to Battery G. He having established an excel- 
lent military reputation by long service in the field, was 
promoted to captain of Battery D, Oct. 21, 1864, to fill the 
vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Captain Buckley. 
He was mustered out of service July 17, 1865. After the 
war he engaged in the business of civil engineering, and 
located at Chicago, 111. 




Capt. Elmer L. Corthell. 



FIRST R. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. Ill ^ 



BENJAMIN H. CHILD. 

Second Lieut. Benjamix H. Child, son oE John G. and 
Mary A. Child, was born in Providence, R. I., May 8, 1843. 
He was educated in the public schools of his native city. 
When he was fourteen years of age he was apprenticed to 
Grenville Greenleaf, to learn the wire working business. 
At the age of eighteen he enlisted as a private in the 
Second Rhode Island Battery, afterwards known as Battery 
A, First Rhode Island Light Artillery, June 6, 1861. The 
battery was hotly engaged at the first battle of Bull 
Run, July 21, 186 1. It was the only si.x-gun volunteer bat- 
tery taking all of its pieces from the field, two of them 
being in a disabled condition. Private Child was slightly 
wounded in this action. Battery A was connected with the 
Sixth, Ninth and Second Corps, Army of the Potomac. It 
was engaged in every battle in which the Second Corps 
participated. Private Child was present with his battery in 
the fight at Bolivar Heights, Sept. 16, 1861, and subse- 
quently in the campaign on the Peninsula. On the i6th 
of July, 1862, he was promoted to corporal, and Sept. 12, 
1862, he was made a sergeant. At the battle of Antietam 
he was again wounded, this time severely by a bullet in 
the head. 

In the severe struggle at the battle of Gettysburg, Pa., 
Battery A fought with distinguished bravery, losing five 
men killed and twenty-three wounded. Here Sergeant 
Child was severely wounded in the shoulder, at the time of 



I I 2 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, 

Pickett's charge on Cemetery Ridge. He was sent to 
Satalee Hospital, at West Philadelphia. When sufficiently 
recovered to be removed he started for Rhode Island. 
While on his way home he passed through New York City, 
at the time of the draft riots. Sergeant Child witnessed 
the fearful scenes in the streets while he was being con- 
veyed in a carriage through the city to the Fall River 
steamer where he was to embark for Rhode Island. It 
appeared as if the rabble might attempt to attack the 
wounded Union soldier, and he remarked that it would be 
" rather humiliating to be slaughtered by a mob after pass- 
ing through the charge of Gettysburg." But the driver of 
the carriage kept as far as possible from the centre of dis- 
turbance, and Sergeant Child was soon safely aboard the 
steamer. He was hurried aboard in such haste and in such 
rude fashion that, his wound, but imperfectly healed, had to 
be opened again, and the result is that he is troubled with a 
stiff shoulder to this day. 

In recognition of his services in the field Governor Smith 
commissioned him a second lieutenant in Battery A. He 
was afterwards transferred to Battery H, his commission 
dating from Nov. 6, 1863. ' Owing to his wound he was 
unable to report for duty until after Christmas. He then 
proceeded to Brandy Station, where Battery A was at the 
front, and received his discharge from that battery. The 
mustering officer at General Sumner's headquarters had 
hardly signed the papers when a shell burst through the 
tent, and seriously wounded that officer. Lieutenant Child 
then returned to Washington, and reported for duty to Cap- 



FIRST R. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. II3 

tain Allen commanding Battery H, which was then stationed 
at Camp Barry, in the defenses of Washington. lie was 
mustered into this battery Jan. 8, 1864. He served with 
credit in his new position until he was compelled in conse- 
quence of his wounds to resign his commission, Nov. 23, 
1864. For about eighteen months he was employed in the 
quartermaster's department at Washington. 

On his return to Providence he was employed with Green- 
leaf & Company, on Westminster Street, for about two 
years. He was subsequently appointed watchman at the 
Rhode Island State Prison. 

On the 1st of May, 1868, he was appointed by the late 
Mayor Thomas A. Doyle a patrolman on the police force of 
the City of Providence, and he was promoted to doorman, 
Station i, June 4, 1874; sergeant, Aug. 16, 1877; captain, 
Aug. 8, 1879. Elected chief Jan. 5, 1881. Reelected 
every year since. 

He joined Prescott Post, No. i, June 7, 1867. He was 
appointed Aide-dc-Camp to the Deiiartment Commander in 
1887-8 ; he was elected a delegate at large to the National 
Encampment in 1888; and elected a member of the Council 
of Administration of the Department of Rhode Island in 
1889. In 1890 he was elected to the position of Senior Vice 
Department Commander, and in the following year (1891) to 
that of Department Commander. He is a member of the 
Massachusetts Commandery, Loyal Legion of the United 
States. He is one of the committee on the publication of 
the History of Battery II. 



114 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, 

It may not be out of place here to mention the fact that 
Lieutenant Child's twin brother, William D. Child, served 
with distinction in Battery A, entering the service as private 
and rising successively to the rank of first sergeant. After 
this battery was consolidated with Battery B, it took part in 
the fierce battle of Reams's Station, Aug. 25, 1864, when 
the combined battery was nearly annihilated. The total of 
killed, wounded and missing numbered fifty-two, with a loss 
of all the guns and fifty horses. Lieut. William S. Perrin, 
who was in command of the battery, had his leg shattered 
and was taken prisoner. Lieutenants Chace and Spencer 
were also made prisoners. This disaster reduced the battery 
to seventy-two men. Captain Brown being on duty in 
Rhode Island, and the other officers in the hands of the 
•enemy, the command devolved on First Sergeant Child, who 
continued to serve in that capacity until the arrival of Cap- 
tain Brown. 

On the fiftieth anniversary of his birth, which occurred 
May 8, 1893, the friends of Chief Child (and they are 
legion), in recognition of his long and faithful service on the 
police force of the city, determined to show their affection 
and esteem for him in a substantial manner. On the even- 
.enins^ of the above date, at his own home, with a large 
:assembly present, he was made the recipient of an elegant 
solid silver tea service, the gift of the officers and mem- 
bers of the Police Department ; also a handsome remem- 
brance from the Mayor and the Board of Aldermen of the 
City of Providence. One of the gifts which he prizes 
.highly is a beautiful picture presented to him by his com- 



FIRST R. I. r.IGHT ARTHJ.KRV. II5 

radcs of the Grand Army of the RepubHc. His estimable 
wife was also pleasantly remembered by se\-eral appropriate 
gifts from many friends and acquaintances. 



ANTHONY B. HORTON. 

Sfx-ond Lieut. Anthonv B. Hoktox, the son of John 
W. and Mary A. Horton, was born in the city of Providence, 
R. I., on the 22d of January, 1836. He attended the P'oun- 
tain Street School in that city until his tenth year, when his 
parents removed to Rehoboth, Mass. He assisted his father 
on the farm during the spring, summer and fall months of 
the year, and attended the district school in the winter. 

At the breaking out of the Rebellion he enlisted as pri- 
vate in Battery B, First Rhode Island Light Artillery. Aug. 
13, iS6r. On the 25th of March, 1862, he was promoted to 
corporal, and on the ist of December of the same year he 
was advanced to sergeant. He re-enlisted Feb. 8, 1864, and 
was appointed first sergeant Oct. 3, 1864. Ho was dis- 
charged Dec. 19, 1864, to receive promotion as second lieu- 
tenant in Battery H, to date from Nov. 29, 1864. He was 
mustered into that battery Dec. 20, 1864. He was a very 
brave and gallant officer, cool and collected in the hour nf 
battle. He was promoted to brevet first lieutenant April 2, 
1865, for gallant and meritorious services before Petersburg, 
Va., to date from Nov. 29, 1864. He was mustered out of 
service June 28, 1865. 



Il6 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, 

WILLIAM B. VVESTCOTT. 

First Lieut. William B. Westcott, son of Harley 
and Laura Westcott, was born in Pawtiixet, R. I., March i6, 
1841. He received his education in the public schools of 
his native village. In 1857 he went to Providence and was 
employed as a clerk in the grocery store of Thomas Mere- 
wether, and was thus engaged when the War of the Rebel- 
ion began. 

On Dec. 2, i86r, he enlisted as a private in Battery G, 
First Rhode Island Light Artillery. He was promoted to 
sergeant Dec. 15, 1861, and quartermaster sergeant, June 9, 
1862. On the 26th of April, 1864, he was promoted to 
second lieutenant of Battery H, and was mustered in May i, 
1864. He was promoted to first lieutenant March 2, 1865, 
and transferred to Battery B. He was mustered out with 
his battery June 12, 1865, and returned with it to Rhode 
Island. 

Oct. 14, 1865, he entered the wholesale drug store of 
Oliver Johnson & Co., as a clerk, and has remained in the 
service of that company ever since. He is at the present 
time (1894) head clerk in that establishment. 

Comrade Westcott joined Prescott Post, No. i,G. A. R., 
of Providence, about December, 1867. He served as ofificer 
of the day for two years. He was department inspector in 
1870-71, and assistant quartermaster-general of the depart- 
ment in 1874. 

Comrade Westcott is a member of Hope Lodge, No. 4, 
I. O. O. F., and is also connected with Providence Council, 




Lieut. George Lewis. 



FIRST R. I. IJGIIT ARTII.I.KKV. II7 

No. 566, American Legion of Honor, having held the office 
of Commander in that order. 

His brother, Gilbert O. Westcott, also served honorably 
for three years in Battery G, First Rhode Island Light Artil- 
lery, and is a member of Prescott Post, No. i, G. A. R. 
Another brother, George H. Westcott, served as a corporal 
in Company D, P^irst Rhode Island Detached Militia. He 
died in 1875. 



GEORGE LEWIS. 



Second Lieut. George Lewis was born near Summit, 
in the town of Coventry, R. I., Nov. i, 1831. His father, 
Benoni E. Lewis, in early life was a farmer, but afterwards 
became a carpenter and builder, doing business mainly in 
the villages of Harrisville, (Juidnick, and Anthony. Sarah 
Lewis, the mother of Lieutenant Lewis, was the only 
daughter of the Hon. George and IMartha (Stone) Hawkins, 
and a niece of the late venerable Rev. Richard C. Stone, 
"who with each of his nine children," says the l^unker Hill 
(111.) Gazette, "have taught yearly in high schools, colleges, 
and universities, from two to thirty-one years each." tlis 
grandfather Hawkins in early life passed through the sub- 
ordinate military ranks till he held a major's commission. 
He was a representative in the General Assembly from 
18 19 to 1829, and senator from May, 1829, to 1831. P'or 
over forty years he was deacon in the Rice City Christian 
.Church, of Coventry, R. I. 



Il8 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, 

In early youth Mr. Lewis attended the public schools at 
Rice City, in Coventry, and at Sterling, Conn. In March, 
1 84 1, his parents moved to the Crompton Mills, in Warwick, 
R. I. Here George was employed in the cotton mill as a 
back-piecer in the mule room. He afterwards went to live 
with his uncle in Coventry, working in the shingle mill and 
on the farm, except in the winter months, when he attended 
the public school. 

About the first of Apf'il, 1848, at the age of sixteen, 
George was apprenticed for three years to his uncle, Jason 
Lewis, then of Phenix, to learn the carpenter's trade. He 
afterwards left his uncle's employ, and worked for his father, 
who had commenced the same business, continuing with him 
most of the time until the summer of 1852. In September 
of that year he moved to Providence, R. I., and worked for 
several firms until the spring of 1854. He was then em- 
ployed by Cyrus T. Eddy & Company, with whom he con- 
tinued the greater portion of the time until September, i86r, 
when he entered the service of his country as a private in 
Battery E, First Rhode Island Light Artillery. 

He was mustered into the service Sept. 30, 1861, and par- 
ticipated in all the battles in which his battery was engaged. 
He was wounded slightly May 3, 1863, at the battle of Chan- 
cellorsville. He was promoted to lance corporal May 29, 
1863; corporal Sept. 4, 1863; re-enlisted Feb. i, 1864; 
lance sergeant April 9, 1864; sergeant Oct. 20, 1864, to 
date from October 4th; second lieutenant March 31, 1865 ; 
assigned to Battery H, May 29, 1865 ; never reported or 
mustered as such ; mustered out of service June 14, 1865. 



FIRST R. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. 1 I9 

After the close of the war Lieutenant Lewis resumed 
work for the same firm with whom he was employed before 
entering the army. He continued with them until Febru- 
ary, 1866. He then went to Worcester, Mass., where he 
was employed as foreman in the carpenter shop of the 
" Earle Stove Company." That company not succeeding in 
business closed their works in June, 1869. In July of that 
year Mr. Lewis entered the employ of Spicers & Peckham 
(now the Spicer Stove Company), the well-kno'wn and suc- 
cessful stove founders of Providence, R. I., with whom he 
is still (1894) employed, having had charge of their car- 
penter shop for over twenty-four years. 

Mr. Lewis is a member of Slocum Post, No. 10, Grand 
Army of the Republic, and is also connected with the 
Soldiers' and Sailors' Historical Society. He has served as 
a vice-president of the P"irst Rhode Island Light Artillery 
Veteran Association. 

He was chosen historian by his comrades to write the 
history of Battery E, First Regiment Rhode Island Light 
Artillery. He labored with untiring zeal and ability to fur- 
ther this object, and the imperishable record he has been 
instrumental in preserving to the archives of the State will 
ever redound to his honor as a soldier antl patriot. 



I20 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, 



GEORGE MESSINGER. 



First Sergt. George Messin'ger, the son of Eli and 
Ann J. (Roberts) Messinger, was born in the city of Provi- 
dence, R. I., March 27, 1842. At the commencement 
of the Civil War, he was attending a private school in that 
city, preparatory to entering Brown University. With all 
the ardor and patriotism of youth, and imbued with a strong 
desire to serve his country in her hour of peril, he offered 
his services and was mustered into service as a private in 
Battery A, First Rhode Island Light Artillery, June 6, 1861. 
He participated with his battery in the first battle of Bull 
Run. 

The battery was subsequently ordered to the Upper Poto- 
mac, and was stationed at different points between Harper's 
Ferry and Washington. At the time of the battle of Ball's 
Bluff one section of the battery to which Private Messinger 
had been assigned was stationed near Poolesville, Md. It 
was dismounted and crossed the Potomac on a scow, but 
took no active part in the engagement, and the ne.xt day re- 
crossed the river and returned to its old camping ground. 

About this time Private Messinger was seriously attacked 
with typhoid fever and pneumonia. His father, wbo had 
enlisted in the same battery, was detailed to attend him 
during his illness. His mother also came on from Provi- 
dence, R. I., to render her assistance. He was removed to 
the house of Mrs. White, the mother of the well known 
(Confederate) Gen. Harry White. Private Messinger after 
becoming convalescent was granted a furlough, and returned 




Company Clerk Geo-'Ke Messini?er. 



FIRST R. I. LIC.HT ARTILLERY. 121 

to Rhode Island. On regainini;- his health he was deUiled 
on recruiting service in Providence. 

Battery H was then organizing in that city, and Private 
Messinger v^ras transferred from Battery A and promoted to 
first sergeant of Battery H. The battery was subsequently 
ordered into camp near Mashapaug Pond, in Cranston, R. I. 
At this time frequent drafts were made upon the battery tor 
recruits to serve in the batteries already in the field. Ser- 
geant Messenger combined with his other duties that of drill 
tnaster, and was kept constantly employed in that capacity 
until the battery left its camp and proceeded to Washington 
i-n October, 1862. 

His career from that period until the termination of the 
war was closely identified with the history of the battery. 
In October, 1863, while the battery was stationed at Fairfax- 
Court House, Sergeant Messinger was wounded by the acci- 
dental discharge of his revolver, the ball passing down his 
leg on the inside of his boot, entered his heel, and went 
through and lodged in the heel of his boot. It being in a 
vulnerable spot, he suffered considerable inconvenience from 
his wound. 

Soon afterward, entirely unsolicited on his part, an appli- 
cation was made for him for a commission, which was signed 
by all of the officers of his battery and by the colonel and 
major of his regiment. The application was supposed to 
have been forwarded to the governor of Rhode Island, but 
nothing was ever heard from it, and in January, 1864, Ser- 
o-eant Messinger re-enlisted as a veteran and received the 
customary furlough of thirty days. 



122 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, 

While at home on his furlough he had strong hopes that 
he might receive a commission from the governor. One day 
while reading a newspaper he was astounded to learn that a 
commission had been granted to a personal friend of his, but 
whose service as a non-commissioned officer was of a very 
recent date. Feeling aggrieved at this treatment he had 
received he went to the governor and requested that his 
application for a commission might be returned to him. He 
was greatly astonished to find that no application or recom- 
mendation had ever been received, and it was not until six- 
teen years later that he learned what had become of the 
papers that had been forwarded to the governor. 

It may be well to state here that his friend who received 
the appointment was assigned to Battery E, in the very 
position which Sergeant Messinger had anticipated might be 
alloted to himself. In the very first battle in which this 
officer took part after he had joined his battery he was 
killed, so that Sergeant Messinger has good reason to con- 
gratulate himself that he did not receive the coveted com- 
mission at that time. 

And now we are able to inform our readers what became 
of those papers. It seems there was a soldier well known 
in the battery (now deceased) whose name we do not desire 
to make public, who cherished an enmity against Sergeant 
Messinger because he had appointed him a corporal at Camp 
Mauran against his wishes. He only held the position a 
short time, then returned to the ranks, and was appointed 
mail carrier for the battery. He was present in the officers' 
quarters to take the mail the morning the captain sent the 



FIRST K. I. LIGHT AkllLIJlKV. 123 

papers to Rhode Island, and heard the captain express the 
desire that the papers might soon bring Sergeant Messinger 
his commission. 

The mail carrier afterward said to Sergeant Messinger 
that he determined at that time that he (Messinger) should 
not have the commission if he could prevent it. He took 
the papers from the mail bag and destroyed them. No 
wonder they could not be found in the governor's office, and 
that Sergeant Messinger did not receive appointment to the 
position which he was so well qualified to adorn. 

After Captain Allen took command of the battery, Ser- 
geant Messinger was appointed company clerk, and served 
in that capacity until the muster out of the battery. He 
settled all the affairs of the battery for Captain Allen in a 
manner creditable to himself and to all concerned. Even to 
this day there is no member of the battery who is more 
highly esteemed and respected than he, and no one who 
takes a livelier interest in the welfare of his comrades. He 
has had the opportunity and privilege of visiting many of 
the members who are scattered over the country, and they 
always find him ready to extend a hearty welcome to all ; 
and no deserving comrade ever found him turning a deaf ear 
to his plea for help in time of need. 

He is at present engaged in the manufacture of pottery at 
East Brookfield, Mass. He is a member of the Grand 
Army of the Republic in his town, and .is an honored citizen 
of the community in which he lives. He is one of the com- 
mittee on the publication of the History of Battery H. 



124 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, 



HEZEKIAH POTTER. 



Lieut. Hezekiah Potter, son of Christy and Lucius 
(Smith) Potter, was born in Pawtucket, R. I., on the istday 
of July, 1834. His parents subsequently removed to Provi- 
dence, R. I., where he received his education in the public 
schools of that city. 

Previous to the War for the Union he was engaged in the 
wholesale grocery business, first with his brother in the 
city of Syracuse, N. Y., and afterwards managed the same 
business for A. & W. Sprague with marked success for 
about five years. He was subsequently connected with 
William Sheldon in the same capacity. 

Li August, 1S62, he was enrolled as private in Battery H, 
First Rhode Island Light Artillery. He was afterwards 
promoted to the rank of quartermaster-sergeant in this bat- 
tery March 28, 1864. On the 21st of October, 1864, he 
received a commission as second lieutenant, and was 
assigned to Battery li. He was mustered into the bat- 
tery on the same day of his arrival, Nov. 11, 1864. 
Although a man of few words he won the respect and 
esteem of all the members of the battery. He was cool 
and self-possessed under fire, and was always found reli- 
able in every position he was placed. He participated 
with the battery in the almost daily conflicts with the enemy 
in the intrenchments before Petersburg, and was present at 
the final and successful assaults on the enemy's lines, April 
2, 1865. He was mustered out of service June 4, 1865. 




First Sergt. John P. Campbell. 



FIRST K. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. I 25 

After the close of the war he was employed for several 
years with Hubbard & Aldrich, wholesale grocers, in Provi- 
dence, R. I. He has since been employed in various kinds 
of business. 



JOHN P. CAMPBELL. 

First Sergt. John P. Camphell, son of James S. and 
Ann Campbell, was born in Treat's Village., in the town of 
Voluntown, Conn., March 29, 1844. He was educated in the 
public schools of that place. During the Civil War he 
enlisted as a private in Battery PI, First Rhode Island Li>;ht 
Artillery, June 24, 1862. He was mustered into service with 
his battery Oct. 14, 1862. By good conduct, gentlemanly 
bearing and kind consideration of all with whom he came in 
contact, he won the love and confidence of his comrades, 
and the approbation and esteem of his superior officers, and 
was successively promoted to corporal, sergeant, and in 
December, 1864, first sergeant, retaining that position on his 
muster out of service with the battery, June 28, 1865. 

Comrade Campbell is at the present time (1894) a 
respected citizen of the village of Lafayette, in the town of 
North Kingstown, R. I. Pie holds the position of head 
overseer in the Rodman Mill, and is greatly beloved by all 
for his sterling worth, and especially by those employed 
under him for his nianv acts of kindness toward them. 



126 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, 



ESEK S. OWEN. 



Sergt. Esek S. Owen, son of Thomas J. and Dorcas 
(Sayles) Owen, was born in Smithfield, R. I., Aug. 21, 1839. 
His parents subsequently removed to Central Falls, R. I., 
where Esek attended school. His parents afterwards moved 
to Connecticut, and he attended school there for three 
years. He also pursued a course of study at the East Green- 
wich Academy. 

He enrolled as a private in Battery H, First Rhode Island 
Light Artillery, May 19, 1862, and was mustered into ser- 
vice with his battery Oct. 14, 1862. In the battle before 
Petersburg, Va., April 2, 1865, he commanded the left piece 
of the right section. In this engagement he was slightly 
wounded. He also commanded the left piece of the right 
section in the Battle of Sailor's Creek, Va. He was always 
cool and self-possessed under fire, winning the respect and 
confidence of the men under his command. He was mus- 
tered out of service with his battery June 28, 1865. He is 
at the present time (1894) an esteemed citizen of Pueblo, 
Colorado. 



EMULOUS A. CHEEVER. 

Sergt. Emulous A. Cheever, son of Amos and Abigail 
(Keech) Cheever, was born in Attleboro, Mass., Aug. 27, 
1 84 1. Sergeant Cheever's parents formerly resided in 
Wrentham, Mass., but subsequently removed to Attle- 
boro, Mass., where the subject of our sketch was born. 




Corp. Earl Fenner. 



FIRST R. I. LIGHT .\RTII.I.I•:R^'. I 27 

He received his education in the jniblic schools of the 
town. 

He enlisted in the service of his country Aug. 4, 1862, 
and was mustered in with his batter}- Oct. 14, 1862. He 
was promoted to corporal in 1S62 ; and November 6th of 
that year was made a sergeant. He endeared himself to 
his comrades by his manly and upright character, and by 
many sterling cjualities. He was mustered out of service 
with his battery June 28, 18C5. 



EARL FKXNER. 



Corp. E.arl Fexnek was born in Providence, R. I., on the 
20th day of April, 1841. He is the second son of James 
M. and Sarah A. Fenner. His mother was the daughter of 
Gould and Alary Brown, of North Kingstown, R. I. His 
ancestor, Capt. Arthur I^YMiner, erected in Johnston, R. I., 
(then a portion of the town of Providence) what was known 
as the "Old Fenner Castle,'" a strongly constructed log 
house, built for the purpose of resisting the assaults of the 
Indians. The old " Castle" and the lands adjacent thereto 
descended in direct succession to James, son of Capt. 
Arthur Fenner ; then to his son Thomas Fenner ; then to 
James M. Fenner, the father of Comrade Earl Fenner. 

The subject of our sketch attended the public schools of 
Providence in his youth. 

When the War for the Union beiran Comrade Fenner 



128 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, 

became imbued with the martial spirit of the times, and was 
desirous of taking part in the great struggle for national 
existence. On the 25th day of August, 1861, he enrolled as 
a private in Battery C, First Rhode Island Light Artillery. 
This battery left Providence on the 31st of August, and pro- 
ceeded to Washington. It remained at Camp Sprague 
engaged in daily drill until October, when it crossed the 
Potomac and encamped near Fort Corcoran, giving to its 
encampment the name of " Camp Randolph." From thence 
it removed to Hall's Hill, and again to Miner's Hill, Va., 
and became identified with Porter's division of the Army of 
the Potomac. While the battery was stationed here the pri- 
vations and hardships of a soldier's life greatly impaired the 
health of Comrade Fenner, and eventually caused his dis- 
charge from the service Dec. 9, 1S61. 

Regaining his health the following year he again yearned 
to serve his country in her hour of peril, and enlisted as a 
private in Battery H, First Rhode Island Light Artillery, 
Sept. 24, 1862. From this time on until its final muster out 
Comrade Fenner became closely identified with its history. 
During his term of service he served as private, bugler and 
non-commissioned officer. 

When the Army of the Potomac was moving towards 
Gettysburg, Pa., in June, 1863, Comrade Fenner was detailed 
to headquarters of the Third Brigade, of the Twenty-second 
Army Corps, and was ordered on special duty as a bearer of 
dispatches to the commanding general of the Army of the 
Potomac. As that army was on the march against the 
enemy his instructions were very explicit to deliver the dis- 



FIRST K. I. LKHir AKTILF.KKV. 1 29 

patches entrusted to him to the general commanding 
wherever he might be found. On one occasion while 
returning from one of these journeys he narrowly escaped 
capture by Mosby's guerillas near Germantown, Va. 

In the battles before Petersburg, the engagement at Sail- 
ors' Creek, and the closing scenes at Appomattox, where the 
surrender of the Confederate army occurred, Comrade Fen- 
ner was an active participant with his battery, and at the 
termination of the war returned to Rhode Island, where the 
battery was mustered out of service June 28, 1865. 

Comrade Fenner is a member of the First Rhode Island 
Light Artillery Veteran Association, and served as Execu- 
tive Committee of Battery H in the regimental association 
a number of years. In 1891 he was chosen first-vice presi- 
dent of the association, and in 1892 president. 

On the 27th of June, 1S91, he called a meeting of the old 
members of Battery H, for the purpose of forming a vete- 
ran association of the battery. Starting with only four 
members, through his untiring efforts as secretary and treas- 
urer, the association now numbers on its roll fifty members. 
He was unanimously chosen historian by his comrades of 
the battery. Having in his possession a very valuable war 
diary that he kept while in service it has formed the nucleus 
from which a large portion of the facts atid incidents relating 
to the history of the battery have been gathered. This diary 
has also been the means of aiding many of his comrades and 
their widows in obtaining pensions, and likewise been of 
great service to the pension office in settling disputed cases. 

Comrade Fenner is connected with various societies. He 
9 



130 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, 

is a past chief patriarch of Narragansett Encampment, No. i, 
I, O. O. F., and has held the office of recording secre- 
tary in Hope Lodge, No. 4, I. O. O. F. He is a past great 
sachem and past great prophet of the Great Council of the 
Improved Order of Red Men of Rhode Island, also holding 
the position of great mishewina in the Great Council for two 
years. 

Comrade Fenner has been for several years in the employ 
of his brother, James M. Fenner, druggist, in the city of 
Providence. 



FRANKLIN E. PAUL. 

Corp. Franklin E. Paul, son of Captain Clark and May 
(Young) Paul, was born in Dover, N. H., Sept. 14, 1829. 
He received his education in the public schools of his native 
town. His father was a sea captain, and followed the sea for 
over forty years. At the age of fifteen he went to North 
Bridgewater, now Brockton, Mass., and lived on a farm for 
about a year, and then learned the trade of boot and shoe- 
making. After serving faithfully three years as an appren- 
tice, he started out for himself, working in different towns 
in Massachusetts. 

In 1858 he removed to Mansfield, Mass., and in September 
of that year he married Almira Alger, daughter of Edmund 
Alger, Esq., of that town. While busy in his calling, the 
tocsin of war resounded throughout the land, and aroused 
within him a spirit of loyalty and devotion to country, and 
he determined to enroll himself among his country's defend- 




Corp. Franklin E. Paul. 



FIRST R. I. LKHIT ARTIIJ.ERV. I3I 

ers, and do all in his power to maintain the honor and integ- 
rity of free institutions and good government. 

On the 29th of September, 1862, he enlisted with five 
others from Mansfield, in Battery H, P""irst Rhode Island 
Light Artillery, and was mustered into service Oct. 14, 1862. 
Leaving a good home, a devoted wife, and a little daughter, 
he offered all upon his country's altar, and served loyally and 
faithfully with his battery until the termination of the war. 
He was promoted to corporal in 1865. He was mustered 
out with the battery June 28, 1865. 

On returning to his home in Mansfield, Mass., he worked 
at his trade for two years, and then removed to Boston to 
take charge of a large shoe manufactory on Pearl Street, in 
that city. He continued in this position until May 27, 1877, 
when he received an appointment as clerk in the Boston post- 
office, in which capacity he still remains. 

In the year 1892 he was unanimously chosen first vice-, 
president of Battery H Veteran Association, and in August, 
1893, was elected to the office of president. On assuming 
the chair he delivered an excellent address appropriate to the 
occasion, which was listened to with marked interest and 
attention. He is also a member of the publication commit- 
tee on the History of Battery H. He is held in high esteem 
by his comrades of Battery H, his associates in the Boston 
post-office, and by his fellow townsmen of Chelsea, Mass., 
where he now resides. 



132 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, 

JOHN P. CAMPBELL. 

Corp. John P. Campbell, son of John and Nancy J. 
(Malin) Campbell, was born in Boston, Mass., on the 8th day 
of April, 1842. His parents were of Scotch descent. On 
his father's side he is descended from the Campbells of 
Clyde, having an ancestry of rank in the Scottish Highlands. 
On his mother's side also his ancestors attained high dis- 
tinction. 

The subject of our sketch in his youth was brought up in 
the family of Jeremiah Russell Smith, father of William 
Russell Smith, a noted musician in South Medfield, Mass. 
He attended the South Medfield and Walpole schools, pre- 
viously going to schools in Boston. 

In the War of the Rebellion he enlisted as a private in 
Battery H, First Rhode Island Light Artillery, Sept. 19, 
1862, and was mustered in Oct. 14, 1862. He was subse- 
quently promoted to corporal. That he served with credit 
and honor in his battery is attested by his being wounded 
severely in hand, shoulder, and foot, in action near Peters- 
burg, Va., April 2, 1865. He was corporal of the right 
piece, of the right section of his battery in that engage- 
ment. He was mustered out of service June 28, 1865. 

Immediately upon his return from the army he went West, 
and was engaged in teaching in schools, holding some 
important positions in high schools, etc. He received his 
college education in Cornell College, Mount Vernon, Iowa. 
After leaving college he read law under Judge Alonzo Con-, 
verse, and was admitted to the bar in Iowa. He went to 




Corp. John P. Campbell, 2d. 



FIRST R. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. 1 33 

Abilene, Kgjisas, in the year 1876, where he located in the 
practice of law, and where he has since resided. He there 
established the "J. P. Campbell Collection Agency," at the 
head of which he has continued since its formation. His 
practice has been in all courts, and has been a successful and 
profitable one. He is the author of several literary publica- 
tions, brought out by some of the best known publishing 
houses in the country. 

He is also well known as a lecturer, and has met with 
much success in that direction. His lectures on "What is 
Life .-' " " Courtship, Marriage, Divorce," " A View of 
Heaven, from the Poet's Standpoint," and " The Soldier," 
have been spoken of in the highest terms, and been received 
with universal favor. Of the author of thesfe lectures this 
has been said : 

"John Preston Campbell has, perhaps, the most complete 
and choicely selected law and literary library in the State of 
Kansas, and being greatly attached to books, of his more 
matured and written deliberations much that is entertaining, 
ennobling and beneficial may be expected. An hour was 
spent in his rooms examining his books and chatting with 
one of the most genial conversationalists we had ever met." 

He has always been in warm sympathy with his comrades- 
in-arms, the "boys who wore the blue " in the trying days of 
the Rebellion, and is an honored member of Post No. 6;^, 
Department of Kansas, Grand Army of the Republic. 



134 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, 

m 

LEON ALLISON. 

• 

Artificer Leon Allison, son of James and Josephine 
Allison, was born in Three Rivers, Canada, May i, 1820. 
He worked on a farm until his eighteenth year, when he 
went to Spencer, Mass., where he learned the shoemaker's 
trade. From there he removed to Providence and worked at 
his trade for awhile and then enlisted in the navy about the 
year 1841, serving on board the United States man-of-war 
Delazvare for three years, when he was honorably dis- 
charged, returned to Providence, and resumed his former 
occupation, the shoemaking business, and was thus engaged 
when he entere'd the army in the War of the Rebellion. 

He enlisted as a private in Battery H, First Rhode Island 
Light Artillery, Oct. 9, 1862, and was mustered into service 
Oct. 14, 1862. He was subsequently promoted to artificer. 
While the battery was stationed at Fort Smith on the Poto- 
mac River, near Aqueduct Bridge, Comrade Allison was 
sent into Washington on official business. On his return he 
was brutally assaulted and all his valuables taken from him, 
even to the shoes on his feet. Upon his arrival at the fort 
he was sent to the hospital, where the surgeon found that his 
jaw was broken. After he had recovered from his injuries 
he resumed his duties in the battery, and served with credit 
until his muster out June 28, 1865. 

On returning to Providence he again followed his accus- 
tomed avocation, and has been engaged in the shoemaking 
business ever since. Although a veteran in years as well as 




Horace F. Floyd. 



FIRST R. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. 1 35 

of the war, he is still active and strong for a man of his age, 
and is highly respected in the community. 

He is a member of Prescott Post, No. i, G. A. R., of 
Providence, and also of Battery H Veteran Association. 



HORACE F. FLOYD. 

Guidon Horace F. Floyd was but a stripling of fifteen 
years of age when he entered the service of his country. 
He became so imbued with martial ardor that he walked 
from Webster, Mass., to Providence, R. I., and from thence 
to Camp Mauran, where he enlisted as a private in Battery 
H, First Rhode Island Light Artillery, and was mustered 
into service Oct. 14, 1862. He was subsequently promoted 
to battery guidon. 

In January, i86t,, while the battery was encamped near 
Fairfax Station, Va., Comrade Floyd was taken sick with 
typhoid and rheumatic fever, and was sent to the hospital at 
Fairfax Seminary, returning to the battery at Chantilly, Va., 
in May or June of that year. While stationed at Fort 
Scott in the fall of 1863, he was sick with rheumatism and 
malaria. 

In the battle before Petersburg, Va., on the 2d of April, 
1865, he won special commendation from his superior officers 
for his gallant conduct. He carried the battery guidon at 
the head of the battery throughout the entire action. In 
the seventh and last position which the battery occupied on 
that eventful day in rear of the Whitworth House, while the 



o 



6 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, 



battery was under a very severe cross fire from the enemy 
he was ordered by Captain Allen to deliver a message to 
Colonel Cowan, commanding the Artillery Brigade of the 
Sixth Corps, requesting assistance. In compliance with this 
request the Colonel sent his New York battery to our sup- 
port. Comrade Floyd on returning to the battery after 
delivering his message, while riding' down our line of battle 
his horse was struck by a shell, killing him instantly. Our 
comrade was prostrated by the concussion of the shell, and 
his horse also falling upon him, injured his leg severely and 
caused a severe strain upon his bodily powers, producing 
nervous prostration, with which he suffered for some time 
afterwards. Colonel Cowan in referring to this affair said : 
" I received a dispatch from Captain Allen by the boy guidon 
of Battery H, and could not help admiring the courage and 
patriotism displayed by this lad on that occasion." Com- 
rade Floyd subsequently recovered from his injuries, and 
was mustered out with the battery, June 28, 1865. 

Comrade Floyd now (in 1894) resides in Buffalo, N. Y. 
He is a member of Chapin Post, No. 2, Departmennt of 
New York, and has held the office of adjutant in the post, 
and is also a past president of the Army and Navy Union of 
Buffalo. For over nineteen years he has been connected 
with the Seventy-fourth Regiment New York National 
Guard, rising from the ranks as private to the position of 
first lieutenant. He resigned this ofifice several years ago to 
accept the position of armorer in the regiment. He is a 
member of DeMolay Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, 
and has held the office of marshal. He is also an active 
member of the Royal Arcanum. 



FIRST R. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. 1 37 

Comrade Floyd is held in high esteem by his military 
associates, his brethren in the various societies with which 
he is connected, and by his fellow citizens generally. In the 
opinion of the writer Comrade Floyd deserves a medal 
from Congress for the bravery he displayed in front of 
Petersburs:. 



WARNER ALDEN. 

Warner Alden, son of Oliver and Lucinda (Cobb) Alden, 
was born in North Middleboro, Mass., Feb. 3, 1830. He is 
a lineal descendant of John Alden, who came over in the 
Mayfloiver, and was one of the founders of the Plymouth 
Colony. His father, Oliver Alden, served in the War of 
1 8 12. His mother, Lucinda (Cobb) Alden, was the daugh- 
ter of Ansel and Cynthia (Howard) Cobb. Comrade 
Alden's parents had three children, Abner, William C, and 
Warner. Abner served at the age of nineteen in the P'lorida 
War, and was discharged as a first lieutenant. He died in 
1883, in Iowa. William C. enlisted in the Third Massachu- 
setts Infantry, during the War of the Rebellion, and went to 
P"ortress Monroe, and served three months. Upon the expira- 
tion of his term of service he returned home with his regi- 
ment, re-enlisted and served three years in the Fortieth 
Massachusetts Infantry, and is now living in Boston. 

In his youth Comrade Warner Alden received a common 
school education in the public schools of his native town. 
After leaving school he learned the trade of mason, which 
callins: he still follows. 



138 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, 

Comrade Alden enlisted Oct. i, 1862, in Battery H, First 
Rhode Island Light Artillery, and was mustered into service 
with his battery Oct. 14, 1862. He served faithfully and 
continuously with his battery until he was mustered out of 
service June 28, 1865, at the termination of the war. 

He married Matilda White. They have four children : 
Mabel ]., May F., Lizzie N., and Gordon Brooks. 

Comrade Alden is a worthy member of Prescott Post, No. 
1, Department of Rhode Island, Grand Army of the Repub- 
lic, having joined that Post Sept. 2, 1892. He is also a 
member of Battery H Veteran Association, First Rhode 
Island Light Artillery. 



SOLOMON CLOSE. 

Solomon Close, son of Joseph and Sarah (Brown) Close, 
was born in the town of Greenwich, Fairfield County, State 
of Connecticut, Oct. 19, 1845. His ancestor, Thomas Close, 
came from England about the year 1661, and settled in 
Greenwich, Conn. He had four sons, Thomas, Joseph, Ben- 
jamin, and John. Comrade Close is a direct descendant 
from Joseph. The names of Thomas Close and Thomas 
Close, Jr., appear on the list of seventy-two proprietors who 
purchased a large tract of land in West Greenwich, Conn., 
in 1762. 

The grandfather of Comrade Close {Solomon Close) was 
a soldier in the War of the Revolution. At the time of the 
attack made by the British upon West Greenwich, under 



FIRST R. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. I 39 

Governor Tryon, Feb. 26, 1776, he was an eye witness of the 
escape of General Putnam down the precipice as he was 
being pursued by the British soldiers. Putnam afterwards 
said he could hear the enemy's bullets strike in the trees as 
they fired at and overshot him as he rode down the steep 
declivity. 

It is also related of Comrade Close's grandfather that two 
other soldiers and himself were concealed for twenty-four 
hours in an old stone wall at Throg's Neck, then occupied by 
•the British. They were there for the purpose of capturing 
a British officer. They failed in the accomplishment of this 
object, however, as the enemy obtained information of their 
designs and instituted a search for the Yankee soldiers, who 
were hiding in an arch in the old stone wall, which was cov- 
ered over with salt grass by a friend of the Yankee soldiers. 
While lying there the British walked over the very spot 
where they were concealed, and our comrade's grandfather 
says he could have struck the blade of his knife into their 
feet as they walked over him. They halted near the spot 
for quite a while, as the grass was considerably trampled 
down at that point. One of the British soldiers remarked 

that the " d d rebels " must have lain there the night 

before. They were subsequently released from their peril- 
ous position by the aid of their friend already alluded to, and 
made good their escape. It is stated that Solomon Close 
was present at the storming of Stony Point, by the Conti- 
nental forces under the command of Gen. Anthony Wayne. 
Our comrade's grandfather died Jan. 28, 1840, before his 
grandson was born, and for whom he was undoubtedly 



140 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, 

named. Other members of the Close family served with 
distinction in the War of the Revolution, and one particu- 
larly, Elnathan Close, was engaged in privateering. His 
exploits in connection with others like himself have formed 
the basis of many exciting tales. 

Captain Andrew Meade and Elnathan Close, of Green- 
wich, with other daring spirits were engaged in privateering 
to the great annoyance of the enemy. They sallied out on 
their expeditions provided with large whaleboats, which 
were easily hidden from view in the day time in the small 
bays along the coast. On one occasion they proceeded by 
night to Ferry Point and seized upon a small store vessel, 
and secured her as a prize. The vessel was anchored in a 
small inlet known as Chimney Corner. The prize was so 
valuable that the enemy pursued them with one of their 
war vessels. They anchored off Chimney Corner, and began 
making dispositions to retake their vessel. But the people 
on shore who had assembled for the purpose of defending 
the prize, determined if possible to prevent its falling into 
the hands of the British. With a six-pounder, which was 
the only large gun in the town, they fired upon the British 
vessel. The first shot struck the deck of the vessel. The 
enemy returned the fire, but finding it impracticable to 
retake the vessel or inflict injury to the people on shore 
they relinquished their efforts in that direction and hastily 
withdrew. 

The attack on the British vessel at Ferry Point had been 
made in two divisions. One division was commanded by 
Captain Meade and the other by Elnathan Close. Captain 



FIRST R. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. I4I 

Meade while leaving the vessel with his division was 
wounded in both arms from shots fired by two marines on 
guard. Elnathan Close with his division at the same time 
boarded the vessel on the opposite side, soon had possession 
of the decks, and the forces below quickly surrendered with 
but little resistance. 

Thus it will be seen that Comrade Close came of good 
military stock. On his mother's side his ancestor, Thomas 
Brown, of Sussex, England, emigrated to this country in 
1632. Comrade Close's father, Joseph, was at one time cap- 
tain of a company of militia at White Plains, N. Y., where 
he then resided. He subsequently removed to Greenwich, 
Conn., and purchased a farm of about one hundred acres, 
and pursued there his occupation of farmer and drover, deal- 
ing largely in cattle, which he bought mostly in the middle 
and western states. 

Joseph Close's family consisted of six children, four boys 
and two girls. One of these boys, Solomon, the subject of 
our sketch, was attending school when the War of the 
Rebellion began. He became imbued with martial ardor 
and had a strong desire to enter the army. But his parents 
opposed it. Not because they were not loyal to the Union 
cause, but they deemed it advisable that Solomon should 
remain at school a while longer. 

In February, 1865, while his father was away buying cat- 
tle, our comrade decided that if he could not enter the ser- 
vice of his country as a soldier, he would go on a whaling 
voyage. To this proposition his mother reluctantly gave 
her consent. He proceeded to New York city and shipped 



142 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, 

for a voyage. From that city he was sent to New Bedford, 
from which port the ship was to depart. While waiting 
for the vessel to sail Comrade Close observed the arrival of 
a whaler from a long voyage in the Arctic regions. The 
appearance of the vessel and the crew and the rough usage 
to which they had been subjected cooled the ardor of our 
friend for a cruise in the northern seas, and he sought the 
shipping agent and requested that he might be allowed to 
enter the army instead. To this arrangement the agent con- 
sented, and, as there was no recruiting office in New Bed- 
ford, our comrade proceeded to Providence, R. I., and 
enlisted as a private in Battery H, First Rhode Island Light 
Artillery, March 7, 1865, and joined the battery at Burke- 
ville Junction, Va., April 22, 1865, the day before the battery 
left that place for the long march to Danville, Va. Although 
not permitted to share in the more stirring scenes of the 
battery's history, yet he cheerfully performed every duty 
incumbent upon him during his brief term of service, and 
was mustered out with the battery June 28, 1865. 

On the iith of June, 1866, he enlisted in the city of New 
York in Troop K, Fourth United States Cavalry, and served 
three years 'on the Texas frontier. In August, 1866, that 
dread scourge, cholera, made its appearance, and several men 
of his company were taken sick and died. Two of his tent- 
mates were among the victims. Comrade Close was detailed 
to regimental hospital to care for-- the sick, and remained 
there until the epidemic abated. His regiment was at that 
time stationed a few miles outside of the city of San Antonio, 
Texas. After the cholera had disappeared the several com- 



FIRST R. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. I43 

panics of the regiment were scattered for a time, some of 
them being sent to different posts on the frontier,^ his com- 
pany being assigned to Fort Inge, about ninety-five miles 
west of San Antonio. His company scouted the country in 
the vicinity of the post for two years, having several sharp 
engagements with the Comanche Indians. In this capacity 
the company continued the larger portion of its stay in 
Texas, hunting Indians, Mexican bandits, and outlaws. It 
was subsequently relieved by the Ninth United States Cav- 
alry, and the company was ordered to Fort Brown, Texas, 
where Comrade Close was honorably discharged, June 11, 
1869, his term of service having expired. He arrived home 
July 4, 1869. 

On the 22d of October, 1869, he was employed as loco- 
motive fireman on the New York and New Haven Railroad. 
May 28, 1873, he was promoted to locomotive engineer, and 
still retains that position. Although our comrade has seen 
twenty-four years of railroad service, yet he has never-had a 
collision, nor has a passenger been injured on any of the 
trains he has run. It is a singular coincidence that three of 
his brothers have also been locomotive engineers. 

Comrade Close married Cornelia J. Husted Sept. 25, 1872. 
She died Oct. 29, 1873. He married Mary F. Knapp Sept. 
26, 1876. They have two children, Joseph, born Feb. 25, 
1878, and Mary F., born Dec. 11, 1879. 

Comrade Close is a resident of Stamford, Conn., and is an 
honored member of Hobbie Post, No. 23, Department of 
Connecticut. As indicative of the esteem in which Com- 
rade Close is held we will state that on the nth of April, 



144 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, 

1893, he was made the recipient of a handsome gold badge 
of the Grand Army regulation pattern, studded with dia- 
monds, rubies, and sapphires, and presented to him by a 
number of his comrades and friends. He was elected Junior 
Vice Commander of Hobbie Post, Dec. 7, 1893. He is also 
a member of Battery H Veteran Association. 



GEORGE VV. FREEBORN. 

George W. Freeborn, son of Samuel and Eliza P. Free- 
born, was born in Newport, R. I., on the iSth day of May, 
1845. He received his education in the public schools of 
his native city. He enlisted as a recruit for Battery H, First 
Rhode Island Light Artillery, Feb. 25, 1865, and reported to 
the battery at Fort Tracy, in front of Petersburg, Va.,, 
March i, 1865. In the battle before Petersburg, April 2, 
1865, he proved to be a man of courage and thoroughly reli- 
able in every emergency. He was mustered out of service 
with the battery June 28, 1865. He returned to Newport, 
R. I., and in 1867 married Martha A. Goslin, the daughter of 
John and Jane Goslin. They have five children. 

Comrade Freeborn is now residing in Fall River, Mass., 
and is foreman of the packing house of David M. Anthony. 
He is a member of Richard Borden Post, of Fall River, and 
is also a member of the Veteran Firemen's Association, and 
the Firemen's Relief Association. He is connected with 
the American Order of Druids, and a member of Battery 
H, First Rhode Island Light Artillery Veteran Association. 



FIRST R. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. 1 45 

SYDNEY A. GOODRICH. 

Sydney A. Goodrich, son of Jacob M. and Hannah 
Goodrich, was born in Shapleigh, Maine, March 1848. In 
his youth his parents removed to Providence, R. I., where he 
attended the Transit and Arnold Street schools, until his 
enlistment in Battery H, First Rhode Island Light Artillery, 
Oct. 12, 1863. He reported to the battery at Camp Barry, 
Washington, D. C, about Oct. 17, 1863. He served with 
credit in his battery until his muster out of service June 28, 
1865. 

Comrade Goodrich is a member of Gen. Lander Post, No. 
5, of Lynn, Mass., where he now resides. He is also a 
member of Battery H Veteran Association. 



JOHN A. GRAY. 

John A. Gray, son of Lawson D. and Harriet E. Gray, 
was born in the town of Walpole, Mass., Jan. 17, 1839. ^^'^ 
attended the schools of that town in his youth. In the War 
of the Rebellion he enlisted in Battery H, P^irst Rhode 
Island Light Artillery, Sept. 22, 1S62, and was mustered into 
service with his battery Oct. 14, 1862. He served with 
credit during his entire service, and was mustered out June 
25, 1865. 

Returning to Walpole on the completion of his army ser- 
vice, he has ever since been an honored resident of that 
10 



146 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, 

town. He is a member of Post No. 157, Department of 
Massachusetts, a member of Lodge No. 39, United Work- 
men, and is also connected with Battery H Veteran Associ- 
ation, and with the First Rhode Island Light Artillery 
Veteran Association. 



GEORGE W. HARADON. 

George W. Har.adon, son of Elisha and Sarah M. Hara- 
don, was born in the town of Sharon, Mass., June 14, 1842. 
He attended the district school of the town in his youth, 
and later he attended the Bristol Academy at Taunton, 
Mass. After graduation he learned the carpenter's trade. 
He enlisted as a recruit in Battery H, First Rhode Island 
Light Artillery, March 2, 1865. He reported to the battery 
at Fort Tracy, in front of Petersburg, Va. He participated 
with his battery in the battle before Petersburg, April 2, 
1865, where he displayed all the c|ualities that are requisite 
to make a good soldier. He was mustered out of service 
June 28, 1865. 

He is now located in Manchester, N. H. He is a member 
of Passaconnaway Tribe of the Improved Order of Red 
Men, attaining the rank of a chief in the tribe. He is 
regarded by his fellow townsmen as a man of sterling char- 
acter and a sfood citizen. 




Edwin Northrop. 



FIRST R. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. 1 47 

EDWARD N. LAWTON. 

Edward N. Lawtox, son of Isaac and Mary Ann Law- 
ton, was born in Newport, R. I., Jan. 15, 1847. He attended 
the public schools of that city in his youth. He enlisted as 
a recruit and was assigned to Battery H, Eirst Rhode Island 
Light Artillery, Eeb. 27, 1865. He reported to the battery 
at Fort Tracy, Va., in front of Petersburg, Va., and was 
present with his battery at the battle before that place April 
2, 1865, where he exemplified all the attributes that consti- 
tute a good soldier. He was mustered out with the battery 
June 28, 1865. 

He is a member of Charles E, Lawton Post, No. 5, of 
Newport, R. I. He served two years as junior vice com- 
mander, and declined further advancement. He is also a 
member of Battery H First Rhode Island Light Artillery 
Veteran Association. He was a brave soldier, and, conse- 
quently, is a good citizen. 



EDWIN NORTHROP. 

Edwin Northrop was born in Fishkill, N. Y., Dec. 15, 
1838, his father being Jonas Northrop, of Bradford, York- 
shire County, England, who came to this country in the year 
1830, at the age of nineteen. His mother, Ann Gaunt, was 
a native of Leeds, England. 

Comrade Northrop received a common school education, 
and at the age of seventeen was apprenticed to learn wool 



148 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, 

sorting, and continued in this calling" until his entrance into 
the service. 

Comrade Northrop married Sarah Kyle, daughter of John 
Ballantine, of Blackstone, Mass., and four children were the 
fruit of this union. 

At the commencement of the War of the Rebellion he 
made an ineffectual attempt to enlist in a company then 
forming in Woonsocket for the Second Rhode Island 
Infantry, afterwards designated as Company I, but so eager 
at that time were the young men of that town to enroll 
themselves among the defenders of the Union, that before 
Comrade Northrop's turn came to enter the armory, it was 
announced that the roll was complete, and he was debarred 
the honor of enrolling his name with a company that won 
fame and renown in the annals of the history of the State. 

Aug. 25, 1862, after making careful provision for his little 
family, he enlisted in Battery H, First Rhode Island Light 
Artillery. He was mustered into service with his battery 
Oct. 14, 1862, and served faithfully and continuously with it 
until its final muster out June 28, 1865. 

Soon after his return from the army he learned the dyer's 
art, which calling he has since followed. He worked at his 
trade in Blackstone, Mass., leaving there in 1867, and set- 
tling in Norwalk, Conn. While here he became intensely 
interested in the principles of the Grand Army of the 
Republic, and was largely instrumental in the organization of 
Buckingham Post, No. 12, at that place. He was adjutant 
of the post from i88r to 1883, and again in 1885, and its 
commander in 1884. He was aide-de-camp on the staff of 



FIRST R. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. 1 49 

Department Commander Ira E. Hicks, in 1882, and served 
the department as assistant mustering and inspecting officer. 

In 1886 he removed with his family to Dalton, Mass., and 
here again took up the work of the Grand Army. He took 
an active part in organizing Hancock Post, No. 187, Depart- 
ment of Massachusetts. He was elected junior vice com- 
mander in 1887-8, senior vice commander 1889, commander 
1890, and was also appointed post historian. His wife is an 
earnest working member of Hancock Woman's Relief 
Corps, No. 133, of the Department of Massachusetts. 

He was aide-decamp to Department Commander Myron 
P. Walker ; served as inspector and mustering officer, and 
was elected an alternate to the National Encampment in 
1888. 

On his removal to Kenyon, R. I., 1892, where he is 
employed by E. Kenyon & Sons, he became interested with 
the comrades of Burnside Post, No. 2, of Shannock, and 
before joining the. post was, for services rendered, voted an 
honorary member. He is now (in 1894) commander of the 
post. He has received many testimonials of the esteem in 
which he is held by his comrades of Buckingham and 
Hancock posts, which he values very highly. 

He is also a Free Mason, having joined the order in 1868, 
at Norwalk, Conn. 



150 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, 

ORVILLE BALCOM. 

[This sketch was received too late to be placed in the list of sergeants.] 

Sekgt. Orville Balcom, son of William and Eliza 
Doty (Thomas) Balcom, was born in the town of Cumber- 
land, R. I., in 184 1. His parents removed to Attleboro, 
Mass., when he was six years of age. During his youth he 
attended the public schools of Attleboro. He was mustered 
as a private into Battery H, First Rhode Island Light Artil- 
lery, Oct. 14, 1862. He was subsequently promoted to cor- 
poral and sergeant. In the battles before Petersburg and at 
Sailors' Creek he performed every service incumbent upon 
him with credit to himself and likewise to the battery. He 
was mustered out of service June 28, 1S65. He is a mem- 
ber of Battery H Veteran Association, and is connected 
with various societies in Attleboro, and enjoys the esteem 
and confidence of the citizens of that town. 



OTIS R SNELL. 

Otis P. Snell, son of Barney and Rebecca Snell, was 
born in Cranston, R. I., in the year 1832. After he became 
a lad his parents removed to Smithfield, R. I., where Otis 
attended the district school in the fall and winter months, 
and assisted his father on the farm during the remainder of 
the year. He subsequently worked in a cotton mill for a 
time. 

In the War of the Rebellion he enlisted in Battery H, 



FIRST R. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. I5I 

First Rhode Island Light Artillery, Sept. 6, 1862, and was 
mustered into service Oct. 14, 1862. He participated with 
his battery in all the battles in which it was engaged, and 
proved himself a good soldier. ' 

Since his return from the army Comrade Snell has worked 
in a cotton mill, but is now (1894) employed on a farm near 
Georgiaville, R. I. He is a member of Battery H Veteran 
Association. He is held in high esteem by his old comrades 
and his fellow townsmen. 



JOHN TAFT. 

John Taft, son of John and Jane (Moore) Taft, was born 
in Ireland June 5, 1832. He attended a private school in 
his youth. He afterwards emigrated to the United States^ 
and located in Natick, R. I. 

On the 20th of February, 1865, he enlisted as a recruit 
and was assigned to Battery H, First Rhode Island Light 
Artillery. He reported to the battery at Patrick's Station, 
Va., Feb. 24, 1865. In the battles before Petersburg and at 
Sailor's Creek he evinced great courage and proved to be 
reliable in every emergency. He was mustered out with the 
battery at Providence, R. I., June 28, 1865. 

Comrade Taft married Jane Rafferty, daughter of John 
and Mary Rafferty. Two children have been born to them, 
namely, Thomas and Joseph P. Taft. Our comrade is an 
esteemed member of Reno Post No. 6, of East Greenwich, 
R. I., where he now resides, and is honored and respected 
by his fellow townsmen. 



152 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, 



WILLIAM H. TASKER. 



William H. Tasker, son of William and Annie (Carroll) 
Tasker, was born in Providence, R. I., Nov. 12, 1842. His 
father served as a soldier in the Mexican War, and was 
especially commended by his superior officer for bravery in 
battle. The subject of our sketch attended school in his 
youth in the city of Providence and also in the town of 
Johnston, R. I. In the Fall of 1862 he enlisted in the navy 
as an able seaman, and was assigned to the United States 
gunboat Iris. He was subsequently promoted to signal 
quartermaster for good conduct, and afterwards to quarter- 
master. After serving his time in the navy he was mustered 
out, and shortly afterwards enlisted as a private in Battery 
H, when it was stationed near Fort Tracy at Petersburg, 
March 7, 1865. In the battles before Petersburg, and also 
at Sailor's Creek, he displayed good conduct in action, and 
was finally mustered out with his battery June 28, 1865. 

Comrade Tasker is a member of Slocum Post, No. 10, of 
Providence, and is also a member of Farragut Naval Asso- 
ciation, having served as lieutenant, lieutenant-commander, 
and commander in that association. He is connected with 
Battery H Veteran Association. He is now a resident of 
Rehoboth, Mass., having purchased the Bowen farm, and is 
therefore a respected tiller of the soil, honored and respected 
in the community. 



FIRST R. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. 1 53 

CHARLES D. VAUGHN. 

Charles D. Vaughn, son of John and Catherine (Dan- 
forth) Vaughn, was born in Providence, R. I., July 17, 1836. 
He attended the public schools of that city in his youth. 
At the breaking- out of the Rebellion he enlisted as a pri- 
vate in Company C, First Rhode Island Detached Militia, 
May 2, 1 861. He participated with his regiment in the 
battle of Bull Run, July 21, 1861, and was mustered out at 
the expiration of his term of service, Aug. 2, i86[. He 
enlisted as a private in Battery H, First Rhode Island Light 
Artillery, Feb. 23, 1864, and served with credit in the 
battery until its muster out of service, June 28, 1865. 



ALBERT WELLS. 

Albert Wells, son of Silas and Mary (Bowen) Wells, 
was born in Exeter, R. I., March 21, 1830. He attended 
the public schools of this place in his youth, also those in 
River Point and West Greenwich, R. I. His parents remov- 
ing to Sterling, Conn., he attended school there, working a 
portion of the time in the Valentine mill in that town. His 
parents subsequently removed to Central Village, Plainfield, 
Conn., in 1847, and afterwards, in 1848, to Griswold, Conn., 
where he worked in Doane's mill. 

In 1849 Albert left home and went to Crompton to work 
in the machine shop in that place. In 1851 he married 



154 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, 

Almira O. Johnson, and subsequently went to West Green- 
wich where he worked on a farm, and afterwards engaged as 
a contractor for ship timber for Dexter Irons. In 1855 he 
took a contract for supplying ties for the Providence, Hart- 
ford and Fishkill Railroad Company. In 1857 he was a 
contractor for ship timber with the United States govern- 
ment. 

Comrade Wells enlisted as a private in Battery H, First 
Rhode Island Light Artillery, Aug. 5, 1862, and served 
honorably with the battery until its muster out of service 
June 28, 1865. 

Shortly after his return to Rhode Island he worked for a 
while in the Liberty factory in West Greenwich, R. I. In 
1866 he built a small shingle mill in that place, and was 
afterwards engaged in furnishing wood supplies for woolen 
mills. In 1877 he built a large mill farther up the stream 
for the same purpose. In 1882 he removed to Providence, 
R. I., and was employed in the Rhode Island Locomotive 
Works, remaining there until 1889, when he engaged in the 
carriage business for himself for one year, and then went to 
work in the repair shop of the Union Railroad Company, 
where he has remained until the present time (1894). 

Comrade Wells is a member of Prescott Post, No. i, of 
Providence, and is also connected with Battery H Veteran 
Association. 



FIRST R. T. LIGHT ARTILLERY. I 55 

HENRY A. ALEXANDER. 

Henry A. Alexander, son of James A. and Jerusha M. 
(Skinner) Alexander, was born in Foxboro, Mass., on the 
20th day of January, 1824. He attended the district school 
of that town in his youth, and subsequently attended school 
in Natick, Mass. He afterwards learned the business of a 
rubber worker, which calling he still follows. 

He enlisted in Battery H, First Rhode Island Light 
Artillery, Sept. 25, 1862, and was mustered into service Oct. 
14, 1862. Owing to failing health he was transferred to the 
Veteran Reserve Corps Sept. 30, 1863. On his return from 
the army he located in his native town (Foxboro), and is an 
honored member of E. P. Carpenter Post, No. 91, of the 
Department of Massachusetts, Grand Army of the Repub- 
lic. He is also a member of Fair Oaks Commandery No. 20, 
of Natick, Mass, He is also connected with Battery H 
Veteran Association. 



HORACE C. BRIGGS. 

Horace C. Brigc.s, son of Silas and Robey liriggs, was 
born in the town of Pittsfield, Oswego County, State of New 
York, on the 12th day of May, 1829. His grandfather, 
Joseph Briggs, served in the Continental Army in the Revo- 
lutionary War, During his youth the subject of our sketch 
attended the district school in his native town. 



156 HISTORY OF BATTERY H. 

Comrade Briggs enlisted in Battery H, First Rhode 
Island Light Artillery, Sept. 9, 1862. During a portion of 
his term of service he was on detached duty as an orderly 
for Lieut.-Col. J. Albert Monroe, of the First Rhode Island 
Light Artillery, who was chief of artillery of the Second 
Army Corps. He was mustered out of service with his bat- 
tery at Providence, R. I., June 28, 1865. 

Comrade Briggs is a member of E. B. Piper Post, No. 157, 
Department of Massachusetts. He has served as junior 
and senior vice commander of his post, and is held in high 
esteem by his fellow townsmen of Walpole, Mass., where he 
now resides. He is also a member of Battery H Veteran 
Association. 



ROSTER. 



ROSTER. 



Captains. 

Charles H. J. Hamlin. First lieutenant and quartermas- 
ter, First Rhode Island Light Artillery, Oct. 3, 1861 ; 
promoted to captain. Battery H, May 16, 1862; never 
mustered; resigned, Sept. 27, 1862. 

Jeffrey Hazard. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862 ; second lieu- 
tenant, Battery A, First Rhode Island Light Artillery, 
Oct. 5, 1861 ; promoted to first lieutenant and regi- 
mental adjutant ; captain. Battery H, Oct. i, 1862 ; 
resigned, Aug. 17, 1863. 

Crawford Allen, Jr. Mustered Oct. i, 1863 ; second 
lieutenant. Battery G, First Rhode Island Light Artil- 
lery, Nov. 7, 1861 ; first lieutenant, Nov. 18, 1862; 
wounded May 3, 1863, at Fredericksburg ; appointed 
regimental adjutant ; acting adjutant-general. Artillery 
Brigade, Si.xth Corps ; captain, Battery H, Sept. 30, 
1863 ; brevet major, April 2, 1865, for gallant and meri- 
torious service before Petersburg, Va. ; brevet lieuten- 
ant-colonel, June 12, 1865 ; mustered out of service 
June 28, 1865. 



l6o HISTORY OF BATTERY H, 

First Lieutenants. 

Clement Webster. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862 ; resigned 
Feb. 7, 1863. 

Charles F. Mason. Mustered Oct. 15, 1862 ; second lieu- 
tenant, Battery A, First R. I. Light Artillery, Dec. 24, 
1 861 ; first lieutenant, Oct. i, 1862 ; transferred to Bat- 
tery H, Oct. 15, 1862 ; subsequently appointed aide on 
Colonel Tompkins's staff; resigned April 21, 1864. 

George W. Blair. Mustered Feb. 6, 1863; private, First 
Rhode Island Light Battery, May 2, 1861 ; discharged 
Aug. 6, 1861 ; sergeant. Battery B, First Rhode Island 
Light Artillery, Aug. 13, 1S61 ; first sergeant, Dec. 2, 
1861 ; discharged Feb. 6, 1863 ; first lieutenant. Battery 
I, to date from Feb. 2, 1863 ; battery never organized ; 
first lieutenant, Battery H, April 23, 1863 ; resigned 
April 29, 1864. 

Walter M. Knight. Mustered April 8, 1863 ; quarter- 
master-sergeant, Battery F, First Rhode Island Light 
Artillery, Oct. 29, 1861; second lieutenant. Battery H, 
March i r, 1863; first lieutenant, April 22, 1864; brevet 
captain, April 2, 1865, for gallant and meritorious ser- 
vices before Petersburg, Va.; mustered out of service, 
June 28, 1865. 

Allen Hoar. Mustered Aug. 24, 1864; private, Battery 
G, First Rhode Island Light Artillery, Dec. 2, 1861 ; 
sergeant, June 9, 1862; wounded slightly Sept. 17, 1862, 
at battle of Antietam, Va. ; second lieutenant, May 14, 
1863; first lieutenant. Battery H, Aug. 17, 1864; mus- 
tered out of service June 28, 1865. 



FIRST R. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. l6l 

Second Lieutenants. , 

KiRBY Stelnhauer. Mastered Oct. 14, 1862; sergeant, 
Battery G, First Rhode Island Light Artillery, Dec. 2, 
1 861 ; second lieutenant, Battery H, June 4, 1862 ; first 
lieutenant, Battery D, Feb. 8, 1863; resigned April 19, 
1864, on account of disability. 

Elmer L. Corthell. Mustered about Oct. 30, 1862 ; pri- 
vate, Battery A, First Rhode Island Light Artillery, 
June 6, 1861 ; transferred to Battery F, Oct. 31, 1861 ; 
sergeant, Oct. 31, 1861 ; second lieutenant, Battery H, 
Oct. 1 1, 1862 ; first lieutenant. Battery G, Nov. 6, 1863 ;, 
captain, Battery D, Oct. 21, 1864 ; mustered out of ser- 
vice July 17, 1865. 

Walter M. Knight. See first lieutenant. 

Benjamin H. Child. Mustered Jan. 8, 1864; private, Bat- 
tery A, First Rhode Island Light Artillery, June 6, 
1861 ; slightly wounded July 21, 1 861, at battle of Bull 
Run ; corporal, July 16, 1863 ; wounded slightly in head 
at battle of Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862; sergeant, Sept. 
12, 1862 ; wounded severely in shoulder at battle of 
Gettysburg, July 2, 1863 ; second lieutenant. Battery H, 
Nov. 6, 1863; mustered Jan. 8, 1864; resigned Nov. 
23, 1864, on account of wounds. 

Samuel G. Colwell. Mustered Nov. 11, 1863; sergeant. 
Battery H, Oct. 14, 1862; second lieutenant, Nov. 6, 
1863 ; transferred to Battery A, Nov. 14, 1863; resigned 
April 15, 1864, for physical disability. 
11 



1 62 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, 

Anthony B. Horton. Mustered Dec. 20, 1864; private, 
Battery B, First Rhode Island Light Artillery, Aug. 13, 
1861 ; corporal, March 25, 1862; sergeant, Dec. i, 1862; 
re-enlisted, Feb. 8, 1864; ^^'st sergeant, Oct. 3, 1864; 
discharged, Dec. 19, 1864; second lieutenant, liattery 
H, to date from Nov. 29, 1864; mustered, Dec. 20, 
1864; brevet first lieutenant, April 2, 1865, for gallant 
and meritorious services before Petersburg, Va. ; mus- 
tered out of service June 28, 1865. 

William B. Westcott. Mustered May i, 1864; private. 
Battery G, First Rhode Island Light Artillery, Dec. 
2, 1861 ; sergeant, Dec. 2, 1861; quartermaster-sergeant, 
June 9, 1862; second-lieutenant, Battery II, April 26, 
1864; first lieutenant. Battery B, March 2, 1865; 
mustered out of service June 12, 1865. 

George Lewis. Enlisted as private in Battery E, First 
Rhode Island Light Artillery, Sept. 24, 1861 ; mustered 
Sept. 30, 1 861 ; wounded slightly May 3, 1863, at Chan- 
cellorsville, Va. ; lance corporal. May 29, 1863 ; corpo- 
ral, Sept. 4, 1863; re-enlisted, Feb. i, 1864; lance ser- 
geant, April 9, 1864; sergeant, Oct. 20, 1864, to date 
from Oct. 4; second lieutenant, March 31, 1865; 
assigned to Battery H, May 29, 1865 ; never reported or 
mustered as such ; mustered out June 14, 1865. 



FIRST R. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. 163 

First Sergeants. 

George Messixger. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; private, Bat- 
tery A, First Rhode Island Light Artillery, June 6, 
1 861 ; transferred and promoted to first sergeant, Bat- 
tery H, July 8, 1862; appointed company clerk; reen- 
listed Jan. 4, 1864; mustered out of service June 28, 
1865. 

Jacoi; B. Lewls. Mustered as sergeant, Oct. 14, 1862; 
sergeant. Battery B, First Rhode Island Light Artillery, 
Aug. 13, 1861 ; discharged Dec. 11, 1861 ; first sergeant, 
Battery H, Oct. 14, 1862 ; mustered out, June 28, 1865. 

Charlks E. Boxx. Mustered as corporal, Oct. 14, 1862 ; 
sergeant ; first sergeant ; second lieutenant, Battery D, 
First Rhode Island Light Artillery, April 26, 1864; 
first lieutenant, April 3, 1865 ; breveted captain ; mus- 
tered out of service July 17, 1865. 

JoHX EvAxs. Mustered as private, Jan. 6, 1863; first 
sergeant ; mustered out of service June 28, 1865. 

JoHX P. Camphell, 1ST. Mustcrcd as private, Oct. 14, 
1862; corporal; sergeant; first sergeant in December, 
1864 ; mustered out as such June 28, 1865. 

Quartermaster-Sergeants. 

Jexckes B. Stevexs, Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; mustered 
out of service June 28, 1865. 



164 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, 

Hezekiah Potter. Mustered as private, Oct. 14, 1862 ; 
quartermaster-sergeant, March 28, 1 864 ; second lieu- 
tenant, Battery E, First Rhode Island Light Artillery, 
Oct. 21, 1864; mustered Nov. 11, 1864; first lieutenant, 
June 12, 1865; mustered out of service June 14, 1865. 

Albert F. Allen. Mustered as sergeant, Oct. 14, 1862 ; 
quartermaster-sergeant, Oct. 21, 1864 ; mustered out of 
service June 28, 1865. 



Sergeants. 

Thomas W. Sayles. Mustered as private, Battery A, First 
Rhode Island Light Artillery, June 6, 1861 ; transferred 
to Battery H and appointed sergeant, Aug. 21, 1862; 
first lieutenant. Troop D, Third Rhode Island Cavalry, 
Dec. 16, 1863; captain, Troop H, Dec. 26, 1864; mus- 
tered out of service Nov. 29, 1865. 

Samuel G. Colwell. See second lieutenant. 

George P. Carpenter. Mustered as sergeant, Oct. 14, 
1862; died in hospital at camp near Fairfax Station, 
Va., March i, 1863. 

Franklin P. Burlingame. Mustered as sergeant, Oct. 14, 
1862; subsequently ordered on detached service in 
adjutant-general's office, war department, Washington, 
D. C, remaining there until June 28, 1865, when he 
was appointed to a clerkship in adjutant-general's office. 



FIRST R. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. 1 65 

Charles De Wolf Gibson. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; pro- 
moted to sergeant in November, 1862 ; discharged from 
battery Nov. 2, 1863, to receive promotion as second 
lieutenant, Fourteenth Rhode Island Heavy Artillery 
(colored). Never mustered as such. 

Alfred M. Taylor. Mustered as private, Oct. 14, 1862 ; 
sergeant ; first lieutenant, Company I, Fourteenth Rhode 
Island Heavy Artillery (colored), March 9, 1864 ; dis- 
missed the service, Dec. 29, 1864. 

EsEK S. OwEX. Mustered as private, Oct. 14, 1862 ; cor- 
poral, August, 1862 ; sergeant in 1864 ; wounded slightly 
in action near Petersburg, Va., April 2, 1865 ; mustered 
out of service June 28, 1865. 

Bexlvmin Carter. Mustered as private, Oct. 14, 1862 ; 
sergeant ; mustered out of service June 28, 1865. 

Thomas S^rrrH. Mustered as private, Oct. 14, 1862; ser- 
geant ; mustered out of service June 28, 1865. 

Gardxer L. Bexnett. Mustered as private, Oct. 14, 1862; 
sergeant; mustered out of service June 28, 1865. 

Apollos Seekell. Veteran ; mustered as private in Bat- 
tery H, Feb. 9, 1864; sergeant; mustered out of ser- 
vice June 28, 1865. 

James H. Rhodes. Mustered as corporal, Oct. 14, 1862 ; 
sergeant ; mustered out of service June 28, 1865. 

Emulous A. Cheever. Mustered as private, Oct. 14, 
1862; corporal in 1863: sergeant, Nov. 6, 1863; mus- 
tered out of service June 28, 1865. 



1 66 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, 

Okvili.k Balc()>[. Mustered as private, Oct. 14, 1862; 
corporal ; sergeant ; mustered out of service, June 28, 
1865. 

John P. Campbell, ist. See first sergeant. 

Corporals. 

Henry C. Brown. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862 ; mustered out 
of service June 28, 1865. 

John P. Campisell, i.st. See first sergeant. 

James H. Rhodes. See sergeant. 

Charles E. Bonn. See first sergeant. 

Welllngton p. Dolloff. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862 ; dis- 
charged Feb. 3, 1S63, on surgeon's certificate at Emory 
Hospital, Washington, D. C. 

Hiram A. Carey. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; mustered out 
of service June 28, 1865. 

Gilbert Mortimer Tiiain. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; dis- 
charged Dec. 5, 1862, on surgeon's certificate. 

James C. Engley. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; discharged 
Dec. 15, 1862, to receive promotion as second lieuten- 
ant in Fifth Rhode Island Heavy Artillery. Resigned 
April 21, 1863. 

WiLiJAM H. Springer. Mustered as private Oct. 15, 1862; 
promoted corporal in 1863 : absent sick in hospital since 
May 30, 1864; mustered out of service June 28, 1865. 

Emulous A. Cheever. See sercreant. 



FIRST R. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. 1 67 

Michael Crogax. Mustered as private, Oct. 14, 1862 ; cor- 
poral in 1864; mustered out of service June 28, 1865. 

Earl Fexner. Enlisted as private in Battery C, First 
Rhode Island Light Artillery, Aug. 25, 1861 ; dis- 
charged on surgeon's certificate, Dec. 15, 1861 ; enrolled 
as private in Battery H, Sept. 24, 1862; mustered Oct. 
14, 1862; bugler; corporal, November, 1862; mustered 
out of service June 28, 1865. 

HuRHERT OcHEE. Mustcred as private, Feb. 10, 1864; cor- 
poral ; mustered out of service June 28, 1865. 

Franklin E. Paul. Mustered as private, Oct. 14, 1862 ; 
corporal, 1865 ; mustered out of service June 28, 1865. 

Isaac Briggs. Mustered as private, Oct. 14, 1862; cor- 
poral ; mustered out of service June 28, 1865. 

Alexander Gillelaxl. Mustered as private, Oct. 14, 
1862 ; corporal ; mustered out of service June 28, 1865. 

Orville Balcom. See sergeant. 

William Boyer. Mustered as private, Dec. 31, 1862; cor- 
poral; deserted Nov. 26, 1863. 

Isaac P. Noves. Mustered as private, Oct. 14, 1862; cor- 
poral ; mustered out of service June 28, 1865. 

Job Raxdall. Mustered as private, Oct. 14, 1862 ; cor- 
poral ; mustered out of service June 28, 1865. 

Marvix Ryax. Veteran ; mustered as private, Feb. 23, 
1864 ; corporal ; mustered out of service June 28, 1865. 

John P, Campisei.l, 2d. Mustered as private, Oct. 14, 1862; 
corporal; wounded severely, April 2, 1865, in action 
before Petersburg, Va. ; mustered out of service June 
28. 1865. 



1 68 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, 

Buglers. 

Charles P. Marsh. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862 ; transferred 
to Veteran Reserve Corps Aug. 13, 1S64. 

Thomas J. Goff. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862 ; died in hos- 
pital at Fairfax Station, Va., Feb. i, 1862. 

Robert H. Cokeley. Mustered as private, Nov. 3, 1863; 
discharged Dec. 11, 1864, on surgeon's certificate. 

Charles S. Stringer. Mustered as private, Oct. 14, 1862 ; 
bugler; mustered out of of service June 28, 1865. 

Earl Fenner. See corporal. 

Frank Dawson. Mustered as private, Feb. 23, 1864; 
bugler; mustered out of service June 28, 1865. 

Artificers. 

Samuel T. Allen. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; mustered 
out of service, June 28, 1865. 

Thomas Carter. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862;. killed April 2, 
1865, in action near Petersburg, Va. 

Leon Allison. Enlisted as a landsman in the United States 
Navy in 1841 ; served on United States man of- war 
Dclai^'air, and honorably discharged on expiration of 
term of service ; mustered as an artificer in Battery 
H, Oct. 14, 1S62; mustered out of service June 28, 1865. 

George E. Tracy. Mustered as private, Oct. 14, 1862; 
artificer; died in General Hospital at Fairfax Seminary, 
near Fort Worth, Va., Sept. i, 1863. 



FIRST R. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. 1 69 

Privates. 

Abbott, Willlam. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; deserted from 
battery at Fort Scott, Va., Sept. 25, 1863. 

Adams, George A. Veteran ; mustered Oct. 16, 1862 ; 
mustered out of service June 28, 1865. 

Albertes, Charles. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; deserted 
from battery at Camp Barry, Va., Nov. 22, 1862. 

Aldex, Warner. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862 ; mustered out 
of service June 28, 1865. 

Aluerwick, George. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; mustered 
out of service June 28, 1865. 

Aldrich, Frank A. Mustered Feb. 8, 1864; mustered out 
of service Jan. 24, 1865. 

Alexander, Henrv A. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862 ; trans- 
ferred to Veteran Reserve Corps, Sept. 30, 1863. 

Arnold, Gideon W. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; wounded 
slightly April 2, 1865, at battle of Petersburg, Va. ; mus- 
tered out of service June 28, 1865. 

Arnold, Henry N. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; died in bar- 
racks at Camp Barry, Washington, D. C, from effects 
of poison, Feb. 12, 1864. 

Arnold, Henry O. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; mustered out 
of service June 28, 1865. 

Balcom, Orville. See sergeant. 

Baxnon, Robert. Mustered Dec. 22, 1862; deserted Jan. 
24, 1863. 



I 70 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, 

Bakky, John. Mustered Feb. 28, 1864; mustered out of 
service June 28, 1865. 

Bakkv, Michael. Mustered Nov. 4, 1863 ; wounded slightly 
in battle before Petersburg, April 2, 1865 ; mustered out 
of service June 28, 1865, 

Barkv, WiLLiA^r. Mustered Feb. 17, 1864; mustered out 
of service June 28, 1865. 

Beax, Asa S. Mustered Oct. 18, 1862; ambulance driver ; 
mustered out of service June 28, 1865. 

Bkgley, Michael. Mustered Feb. 20, 1865 ; mustered out 
of service June 28, 1865. 

Belaix, Edward. Mustered Jan. 10, 1863; deserted from 
battery at Fairfa.x Station, Va., Jan. 31, 1863. 

Bell, Peter. Mustered Jan. 10, 1863 ; deserted from bat- 
tery at Fairfax Station, Va., Feb. 6, 1863. 

Bellows, Jay G. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; deserted from 
battery at Camp Barry, Washington, D. C, Nov. 2, 1862. 

Bennett, Gardner L. See sergeant. 

Bingham, Henry. Mustered Jan. 10, 1863; deserted from 
battery at Fairfax Station, Va., Jan. 31, 1863. 

BiN(;ii.\M, J()si:pii. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; discharged 
March 13, 1863, on surgeon's certificate. 

Bisifoi', John. Mustered March i, 1865; mustered out of 
service June 28, 1865. 

Blat.on, Gkorge R. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862 ; mustered out 
of service June 28, 1865. 



FIRST R, I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. I7I 

Blessingtox, Edward M. Mustered Dec. 24, 1862; 

deserted from battery at Fairfax Station, \'a., Jan. 24, 

1863. 
BoxHELT, Earl. Mustered Jan. 7, 1863; deserted from 

battery at Fairfax Station, Va., Jan. 7, 1863. 

Booth, Jame.s. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; died in hospital 
near Fort Strong, Va., Oct. 12, 1864. 

BouDEx, Charles H. Mustered Oct. 24, 1864: transferred 

to Battery B, Aug". 24, 1864. 
BoYER, William. See corporal. 
Brady, Hexry. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; deserted from 

battery at Camp Barry, Washington, D. C, Nov. 14, 

1862. 

Briggs, Horace C. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862 ; mustered out 
of service June 28, 1865. 

Brigus, Is.xac. See corporal. 

BowEx, WiLLL\M J. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862 : discharged 
Feb. 4, 1863, on surgeon's certificate. 

Brahaxxy, Willlvm. Mustered Jan. 19, 1863 ; deserted 

from battery at Fairfax Station, Va., Feb. 7, 1863. 
Browx, Charles. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862 ; deserted from 

battery at Camp Barry, Washington, D. C, Nov. 2, 

1862. 
Browx, Fraxcls A. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862 ; mustered 

out of service June 28, 1865. 
Browx, George W. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862 ; discharged 

Jan. 30, 1863, on surgeon's certificate. 



172 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, 

Brown, Thomas. Enrolled Sept. 23, 1862; deserted Sept. 
24, 1862. 

Brown, William S. Alias William S. Huntley. Mustered 
Oct. 16, 1862; mustered out of service June 28, 1865. 

BuTTERFiELD, Francis H. Mustcrcd Oct. 14, 1862; mus- 
tered out of service, June 28, 1865. 

Butts, Horace R. Mustered as a veteran, Feb. 17, 1864; 
mustered out of service June 28, 1865. 

Byaks, Josep}!. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862 ; discharged on 
surgeon's certificate. 

Byrxs, Bernard. Mustered March 7, 1865 ; mustered out 
of service June 28, 1865. 

C.VHooNE, James H. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862 ; discharged 
Jan. 3, 1863, on surgeon's certificate. 

Carmel, Thomas. Mustered Jan. 19, 1863 ; deserted from 
battery at Fairfax Station, Va., Feb. 4, 1863. 

Cami>iu>:i,l, James. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862 ; mustered out 
of service June 28, 1865. 

Campbell, John P., 20. See corporal. 

Caki.ix, Michael. Veteran; mustered Dec. 3, 1863; mus- 
tered out of service June 28, 1865. 

Carman, Gilbert. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862 ; discharged 
on surgeon's certificate, date unknown. 

Carman, Solomon. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; discharged 
March 27, 1863, on surgeon's certificate. 



FIRST R. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. I 73 

Carter, Benjamin. See sergeant. 

Caswell, Joseph. Mustered Feb. 27, 1865 ; mustered out 

of service June 28, 1865. 
CiLACi:, LoRiN R. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; discharged 

April 29, 1863, on surgeon's certificate. 
Chapman, Cornelius. Mustered Feb. 18, 1865 ; mustered 

out of service June 28, 1865. 

Cheevek, Emulous A. See sergeant. 

Cheney, Moses B. Mustered Nov. 3, 1863; mustered out 
of service June 28, 1865. 

Clarke, George. Mustered Dec. 29, 1862; deserted from 
battery at Fairfax Station, Va., Feb. 2, 1863. 

Close, Solomon. Mustered March 7, 1865 ; mustered out 
of service June 28, 1865. 

CoEFEE, Daniel. Mustered Jan. 13, 1865 ; mustered out 
of service June 28, 1865. 

Coffee, William. Mustered January, 1863 ; deserted from 
battery at Fairfax Station, Va., Jan. 31, 1S63. 

CoKELEY, RouERT H. See bugler. 

Conner, Stephen H. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; wagoner; 

mustered out of service June 28, 1865. 
Cook, William C. Mustered Jan. 3, 1863; deserted from 

the battery while on the march from Camp Barry, D. C, 

to Fairfax Station, Va.., Jan. 21, 1863. 

CooPER.WiLLiAM. Mustcred Jan. 19, 1863 ; deserted from 
battery at Fairfax Station, Va., Feb. 7, 1863. 



I 74 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, 

CoPELAXD, Silas. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862 ; transferred to 
navy May 5, 1864. 

CosTELLO, James. Veteran ; mustered Dec. i, 1863 ; mus- 
tered out of service June 28, 1865. 

Craxdall, James B. B. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862 ; mustered 
out of service June 28, 1865. 

Crocjax, Michael. See corporal. 

Cross, George G. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; mustered out 
of service June 28,-1865. 

Crowell, Charles. Enrolled Sept. 26, 1862 ; never mus- 
tered ; deserted at Camp Mauran Sept. 28, 1862. 

CusHMAN, William. Enrolled Sept. 26, 1862; never mus- 
tered ; deserted from Camp Mauran Sept. 28, 1862. 

CuTTixG, Erastus. Mustcrcd Oct. 14, 1862; mustered out 
of service June 28, 1865. 

Daily, Patrick. Mustered Feb. 25, 1865 ; mustered out 

of service June 28, 1865. 
Damox, Charles H. Mustered Dec. 22, 1862 ; deserted 

from battery at Fairfax Station, Va., Jan. 24, 1863. 
Dawlev, Fraxklin W. Mustered Feb. 10, 1864; mustered 

out of service June 28, 1865. 
Dawlev, Reyxolds. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862 ; deserted from 

battery at Union Mills, Va., May 4, 1863. 
Dawsox, Fraxk. See bugler. 
Dee, Charles. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862 ; deserted from 

battery at Camp Barry, Washington, D. C, Nov. 9, 

1862. 



FIRST R. I, LIGHT xVRTILLERY. I 75 

Dkney, Emil. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; deserted from bat- 
tery near Fort Scott, Va.^ Sept. 8, 1863. 

Dickson, William. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862 ; deserted from 
battery at Camp Mauran, date unknown. 

DoLAN, Thomas. Mustered Jan. 21, 1863; deserted from 
battery at Fairfax Station, Va., Feb. 17, 1863. 

DoRAMUs, Ror.LRT H. Mustered Jan. 10, 1863; deserted 
from battery at Fairfax Station, Va., Jan. 31, 1863. 

Dougherty, Charles. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; mustered 
out of service June 28, 1865. 

Drownl, William. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; mustered out 

of service June 28, 1865. 
Duxx, RoiJLRT. Mustered Feb. 11, 1865; niustered out of 

service June 28, 1865. 

Easterday, Christian. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; mustered 

out of serYice June 28, 1865. 
Ellisox, Charles J. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; mustered 

out of service May 22, 1865. 

Ellsworth, William. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; discharged 
Jan. 26, 1863, on surgeon's certificate. 

EvAxs, John. Mustered Jan. 6, 1863; mustered out of ser- 
vice, June 28, 1865. 

Farrell, Joseph. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862 ; deserted from 
battery while on the way to Washington, D. C, Oct. 23, 
1862. 

Farrell, Patrick. Mustered Feb. 28, 1865; mustered out 
of service June 28, 1865. 



176 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, 

Fav, Thomas. Enrolled May 7, 1862; never mustered; 

deserted June 2, 1862, at Camp Mauran. 
Fennp:r, Earl. See corporal. 
Ferguson', John. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; no further 

account of him. 
FiTTON, Joseph. Mustered Oct. 14, 1S62 ; deserted from 

battery at Union Mills, Va., May 4, 1863. 
FiTz Maurice, Charles. Mustered Jan. 21, 1863; deserted 

from battery at Fairfax Station, Va., March 10, 1863. 
Flanxigax, Peter. Enrolled May 17, 1862 ; never mus- 
tered ; deserted from Camp Mauran May 16, 1862. 
Foster, Richard. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862 ; deserted from 

battery at Camp Barry, Washington, D. C, Nov. 2, 

1862. 
Fox, Michael. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862 ; mustered out of 

service June 28, 1865. 
Fox, Peter. Mustered Feb. 20, 1865 ; mustered out of 

service, June 28, 1865. 
Flovd, Hora'ce F. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862 ; mustered out 

of service June 28, 1865. 
Flynx, TiKXMAS P. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862 ; deserted from 

battery at Camp Barry, Washington, D. C, Nov. 2, 1862. 
Freeborx, Ge(TRGe W. Mustered Feb. 25, 1865 ; mustered 

out of service June 28, 1865. 
Gardner, Peter, Mustered Aug. 25, 1863 ; mustered out 

of service June 28, 1865. 
Gilbert, William G. Mustered Jan. 17, 1863 ; deserted 

from battery at Fairfax Station, Va., Feb. 3, 1863. 



FIRST K. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. 177 

Gii.LELAXD, Alexander. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862 ; mus- 
tered out of service June 28, 1865. 

Gi- ADDING, James M. Mustered Feb. 24, 1865 ; mustered 
out of service June 28, 1865. 

GoETZ, William, Mustered Oct. 14, 1862 ; deserted from 
battery at Camp Barry, D. C., Dec. 16, 1863. 

GoNGRADY, Julius. Mustered Feb. 8, 1864; deserted from 
battery at Camp Barry, D. C, April 9, 1864. 

Goodrich, Sydney A. Mustered Oct. 12, 1863 ; mustered 
out of service June 28, 1865. 

Gould, Lewis. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862 ; discharged March 
9, 1863, on surgeon's certificate. 

Graham, Michael. Mustered Feb. 10, 1865 ; mustered 
out of service June 28, 1865. 

Gray, John A. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862 ; mustered out of 
service June 28, 1865. 

Green, Charles. Enrolled May 17, 1862; never mus- 
tered ; deserted July 25, 1862. 

Grimes, Joseph. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; discharged Dec. 
19, 1862, on surgeon's certificate. 

Hall, Henry. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862 ; deserted from bat- 
tery while on the way to Washington, D. C, Oct. 23, 
1862. 

Hall, James. Enrolled Sept. 22, 1862; deserted Sept. 26, 
1862. 

Hamilton, John E. Mustered Jan. 21, 1863 ; deserted from 
battery at Fairfax Station, Va., Feb. 5, 1863. 
12 



178 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, 

Hamilton, William. Mustered Jan. 10, 1863 ; deserted 
from battery at Fairfax Station, Va., March 10, 1863. 

Hammond, Daniel A. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862 ; deserted 
April 9, 1864. 

Haradon, George \V. Mustered March 28, 1865 ; mus- 
tered out of service June 28, 1865. 

Hardon, Rufus p. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862 ; mustered out 
of service June 28, 1865. 

H.\rris, Edward. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; deserted from 
battery at Camp Barry, D. C, Nov. 4, 1862. 

Hart, John. Mustered Oct. 15, 1862; deserted from bat- 
tery at Camp Mauran, Oct. 20, 1862. 

Hart, Thomas. Mustered Nov, 17, 1864; mustered out of 
service June 28, 1865. 

Haskins, Amos H. Mustered Dec. 16, 1862; mustered out 
of service June 28, 1865. 

Haskins, John. Mustered Jan. 17, 1863 ; deserted from 
battery at Union Mills, Va , April 6, 1863. 

Hayfield, Isaac F. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862 ; mustered 
out of service June 28, 1865. 

Hayfield, James F. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; mustered 
out of service June 28, 1865. 

Hazelton, Andrew. Mustered Feb. 25, 1865 : mustered 
out of service June 28, 1865. 

Heckman, David. Mustered Feb, 27, 1865 ; mustered out 
of service June 28, 1865. 



FIRST R. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. 179 

HiGGiNS, John. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862 ; mustered out of 
service June 28, 1865. 

Hill, John S. Mustered Jan. 10, 1863; deserted from bat- 
tery at Fairfax Station, Va., Feb. 3, 1863. 

Hl\ox, William M. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; wagoner; 
mustered out of service June 28, 1865. 

Hodges, Edward F. Mustered July 28, 1863; discharged 
June 9, 1864, on surgeon's certificate. 

Holmes, Albert. Mustered Jan. 21, 1863; deserted Feb. 

5, 1863. 
Howard, Albert E. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; deserted 

from battery at Camp Barry, D. C, Nov. 2, 1862. 

Howard, Henry I. Mustered Nov; 24, 1863 ; mustered out 
of service June 28, 1865. 

Howard, Willl\m E. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; mustered 
out of service June 28, 1865. 

Howe, Charles W. Mustered Feb. 17, 1864; mustered 
out of service June 28, 1865. 

Hudson, George. Mustered Jan. 7, 1863 ; deserted from 
battery at Fairfax Station, Va., Feb. 6, 1863. 

Hunnewell, William H. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862 ; trans- 
ferred to Veteran Reserve Corps Apiil 17, 1864. 

Ingraham, Martin O. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862 ; discharged 
June 9, 1864, on surgeon's certificate. 

Jack, Robert. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; mustered out of 
service June 28, 1865. 



l8o HISTORY OF BATTERY H, 

Jackson, Rowland. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; mustered 
out of service June 28, 1865. 

Jason, William. Mustered Jan. 21, 1863; deserted from 
battery at Fairfax Station, Va , Feb. 23, 1863. 

Johnson, Edwin C. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; mustered out 
of service June 28, 1865. 

Jones, Charles. Mustered Jan. 5, 1863 ; deserted from 
battery at Fairfax Station, Va., Jan. 24, 1863. 

Jones, William. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862 ; deserted while 
on the v/ay to Washington, D. C, Oct. 23, 1862. 

Keenan, Patrick. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; no further 
record of him. 

Kennedy, John. Mustered Feb. 20, 1865 ; mustered out of 
service June 28, 1865. 

Kent, Joseph. Mustered Jan. 17, 1864; discharged May 
30, 1864, on surgeon's certificate. 

Kettelle, John B. F. Veteran ; mustered Feb. 23, 1864; 

mustered out of service June 28, 1865. 
King, Frederick. Mustered March 21, 1864; deserted 

from battery at Fort C. F. Smith, Va., Sept. 19, 1864. 

Knowles, Henry L. Mustered Jan. i, 1863 ; mustered out 
of service June 28, 1865. 

Knowles, Lucian B. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; deserted 
from battery at Camp Barry, D. C, Dec. 31, 1862. 

Lagenusse, Jules. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; no further 
record of him. 



FIRST R. I. LICxHT ARTILLERY. l8l 

Laugherty, Robert. Mustered Feb. 20, 1865 ; mustered 
out of service June 28, 1865. 

Lawton, Edward N. Mustered Feb. 27, 1865; mustered 
out of service June 28, 1865. 

Leach, George T. Mustered Nov. 27, 1863; transferred 
to navy May 5, 1864. 

Leonard, John. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862 ; mustered out of 
service June 28, 1865. 

Lewis, Franklin. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862 ; deserted from 
battery at Camp Barry, D. C, Nov. 2, 1862. 

Lewis, John. Mustered Feb. 21, 1865; mustered out of 
service June 28, 1865. 

LiLLiRRioGE, Jacob L. Mustered Nov. 6, 1863 ; mustered 
out of service June 28, 1865. 

Lofts, Thomas J. Mustered Jan. 13, 1864; transferred to 
navy May 5, 1864, 

Logan, Matthew. Mustered Dec. 29, 1863 ; unjustly sen- 
tenced to hard labor by General Court Martial, July 8, 
1865, for a trivial offence ; released from confinement 
Nov. 12, 1865. 

Lovely, Judson. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; discharged 
March 9, 1863, on surgeon's certificate. 

Lucas, Albert B. Mustered March 2, 1865 ; mustered out 
of service June 28, 1865. 

Mahon, Thomas, Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; mustered out 
of service June 28, 1865. 



1 82 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, 

Mahox, William. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; deserted from 
battery at Camp Barry, D. C, Nov. 2, 1862. 

Maine, Gkrsiiom P. Enrolled May 14, 1862 ; never mus- 
tered ; deserted July 31, 1862. 

Martin, Thomas H, Mustered Feb. 27, 1865; mustered 
Qut of service June 28, 1865. 

Mason, James. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; deserted from 
battery at Camp Barry, D. C, Nov. 2, 1862. 

Maxter, William G. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; died in 
hospital Feb. 13, 1863, at Fairfax Station, Va. 

Mathey, Ernest A. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862 ; deserted from 
battery at Camp Barry, D. C, Nov, 14, 1862. 

Maurin, Patrick. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862 ; discharged on 
surgeon's certificate, date unknown. 

McAnerv, James. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862 ; deserted from 
battery at camp near Fairfax Station, Va., Feb. 6, 1863 ; 
returned to battery April 19, 1863; deserted July, 1863. 

McCabe, John. Mustered Jan. 23, 1863 ; deserted from 
battery at Fairfax Station, Va., Feb. 3, 1863. 

McCan, Barney. Enrolled Aug. 2, 1862; deserted Oct.' 
I, 1862. 

McComb, William. Mustered Sept. 23, 1863; mustered 
out of service June 28, 1865. 

McDoNOUGH, James. Enrolled July 29, 1862; deserted 

Aug. 8, 1862. 
McDoNouGH, John. Mustered Nov. 13, 1863; deserted 

from battery at Camp Barry, D. C, Nov. 26, 1863. 



FIRST R. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. 1 83 

McGuiRE, Bernard. Mustered Dec. 4, 1862; mustered 
out of service June 28, 1865. 

McMaxx, WiLLLVM. Mustered March 21, 1864; deserted 
from battery at Camp Barry, D. C, April 9, 1864. 

McPartland, Matthew. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862 ; dis- 
charged Jan. 5, 1863, on surgeon's certificate. 

McPratp, JoHX. Mustered Dec. 16, 1862; deserted from 
battery at Fairfax Station, Va., Jan. 24, 1863. 

Mellor, Willlvm H. Enrolled June 23, 1862 ; never mus- 
tered ; deserted Aug. 8, 1862. 

Merrill, Asa T. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; discharged 
Dec. 19, 1862, on surgeon's certificate. 

Merrills, Henrv. Mustered Feb. 28, 1865 ; mustered out 
of service June 28, 1865. 

Millard, Charles E. Mustered Jan. 30, 1864; mustered 
out of service June 28, 1865. 

MrrcHELL, John. Mustered Jan. 19, 1863; deserted from 
battery at Fairfax Station, Va., Feb. 3, 1863. 

Moore, John. Enrolled Oct. 6, 1862; never mustered; 
deserted Oct. 6, 1862. 

Murfhv, Bartlett. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; discharged 

Sept. 12, 1863, on surgeon's certificate. 
Murphy, Daxiel. Mustered Feb. 24, 1865 ; mustered out 

of service June 28, 1865. 
Murphy, Patrick. Mustered Nov. 30, 1863 ; discharged 

Feb. 20, 1865, on surgeon's certificate. 
Murray, Michael. Mustered Jan. 20, 1864; mustered out 

of service June 28, 1865. 



184 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, 

Nelson, John. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; discharged April 

16, 1864, on surgeon's certificate. 
Newmax, John C. Veteran ; mustered Feb. 23, 1864 ; mus- 
tered out of service June 28, 1865. 
Northrop, Edwix. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; mustered out 

of service June 28, 1865. 
NoYES, Isaac P. See corporal. 
NuTE, Edwix. Mustered Dec. 31, 1862; deserted from 

battery at Fairfax Station, Va., Jan. 25, 1863. 
OcHEE, HuRBERT. See corporal. 
O'CoxNERs, Thomas. Mustered Feb. 12, 1865 ; mustered 

out of service June 28, 1865. 
O'Neil, William. Mustered Jan. 20, 1863 ; deserted from 

battery at Fairfax Station, Va., Jan. 31, 1863. 
O'RouRKE, JoHX. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862 ; discharged Aug. 

10, 1863, on surgeon's certificate. 
Packard, George W. Mustered Feb. 25, 1865 ; mustered 

out of service June 28, 1865. 
Paul, Fraxklix E. See corporal. 
Pearsoxs, Johx. Mustered March 2, 1865 ; mustered out 

of service, June 28, 1865. 
Peck, Allen G. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862 ; discharged May 

15, 1863, on surgeon's certificate. 

Peck, William. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; deserted from 
battery at Camp Barry, D. C., March 18, 1864. 

PiiiLLii's, Hexry a. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862 ; transferred 
to Veteran Reserve Corps, Sept. 12, 1863. 



FIRST R. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. 1 85 

Phillips, John. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; died in hospital 
at Fairfax Station, \'a., March i, 1863. 

Phillips, LuTiiEK A. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; mustered 
out of service June 28, 1865. 

Phixney, Hexry. Mustered Feb. 23, 1864; died April 24, 
1864, near Alexandria, Ya. 

Phinney, Thomas R. Enrolled Sept. 4, 1862; never mus- 
tered ; deserted Oct. 10, 1862. 

PiERPOXT, Thomas. Enrolled May 19, 1862; deserted July 
I, 1862. 

Pitts, George H. Mustered Feb. 24, 1865 ; mustered out 
of service June 28, 1865. 

Potter, Hezekiah. See quartermaster-sergeant. 
Potter, Leoxard L. luirolled Oct. 7, 1862; no further 
record of him. 

Powers, Johx. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862 ; discharged March 
16, 1864, on surgeon's certificate. 

Poyheren, Robert. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; deserted from 
battery at Camp Barry, D. C, Nov. 2, 1862. 

Pratt, John M. Mustered Dec. 16, 1862 ; deserted from 
battery at Fairfax Station, Va., Jan. 24, 1863. 

Price, Ellery \V. Mustered March 2, 1865 ; mustered out 

of service June 28, 1865. 
Randall, Jon. See corporal. 
Read, William H. Mustered Feb. 19, 1864; mustered 

out of service June 28, 1865. 



1 86 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, 

Rearey, James. ^Mustered Feb. i8, 1865; mustered out 
of service June 28, 1865. 

Reid, Uriah H. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; discharged Jan. 
28, 1863, on surgeon's certificate. 

Reid, William H. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; deserted from 
the battery at Camp Barry, D. C, Nov. 2, 1862. 

Riley, Sylvester. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862 ; discharged 
Jan. 16, 1863, on surgeon's certificate. 

Ryan, Cornelius. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; mustered out 
of service June 28, 1865. 

Ryan, John. Mustered Jan. 30, 1863; deserted from bat- 
tery at Fairfa.x Station, Va., Feb. 3, 1863. 
Ryan, Marvin. Veteran ; see corporaL 

Ryan, William, Enrolled July 25, 1862 ; deserted Aug. 
10, 1862. 

Salas, Joseph. Mustered Jan. 17, 1863; deserted from 
battery at Fairfax Station, Va., Feb. 25, 1863. 

SampsOxN, John A. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; mustered out 
of service June 28, 1865. 

ScHANCK, Aaron B. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; mustered 

out of service June 28, 1865. 
Seekell, Apollos. See sergeant. 

Shefeield, JosiAH. Mustcred Feb. 5, 1864; mustered out 
of service June 28, 1865. 

Simmons, Paul. Mustered Feb. 5, 1864; deserted from 
battery at Camp Barry, D. C, April 9, 1864. 



FIRST R. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. 187 

Simmons, Thomas K. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; discharged 
Nov. 25, 1863, on surgeon's certificate. 

Smith, Ashael. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; discharged March 
13, 1863, on surgeon's certificate. 

Smith, Charles. Enrolled Sept. 19, 1862; deserted Sept. 
22, 1862. 

Smith, Elisha. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; discharged Aug. 
7, 1863, on surgeon's certificate. 

Smith, Erederick A. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; mustered 
out of service June 28, 1865. 

Smith, George K. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; mustered out 
of service June 28, 1865. 

Smith, James. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; transferred from 
Battery E; discharged March 25, 1863, on surgeon's 
certificate. 

Smith, John. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862 ; sick in hospital in 
Washington, D. C, Jan. 20, 1863. 

Smith, Thomas. See sergeant. 

Smith, William H. Enrolled July 21, 1862; deserted 
July 26, 1862. 

SxELL, Otis P. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; mustered out of 
service June 28, 1865. 

Si'EN'CER, Edward. Mustered Jan. 19, 1863; deserted from 
battery at Eairfa.x Station, Va., Feb. 16, 1863. 

Spkague, Charles. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862 ; mustered 
out of service June 28, 1865. 



1 88 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, 

Springer, William H. See corporal. 

Stafford, Levi. Mustered Jan. 5, 1863; mustered out of 
service June 28, 1865. 

Stewart, William P. Mustered Jan. 17, 1863; deserted 
from battery at Fairfax Station, Va., Feb. 17, 1863. 

Stone, William H. Mustered Jan. 16, 1864; severely 
wounded April 2, 1865, at battle of Petersburg, Va. ; 
mustered out of service July 15, 1865. 

Stringer, Charles S. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; mustered 

out of service June 28, 1865. 
Sullivan, Dennis. Mustered Oct. 30. 1862 ; deserted from 

battery at Camp Barry, D. C, Jan. i, 1863. 

Sullivan, Patrick. Mustered Jan. 12, 1863; deserted from 
battery at Fairfa.x Station, Va., Feb. 17, 1863. 

Sweeney, Edward. Mustered Jan. 18, 1864; mustered 
out of service June 28, 1865. 

Taher, Otis, Mustered March 2, 1865 ; mustered out of 
service June 28, 1865. 

Taft, John. Mustered P'eb 20, 1865 ; mustered out of ser- 
vice June 28, 1865. 

Tasker, William H. Enlisted in the ii,avy in 1862. Mus- 
tered March 7, 1865 ; mustered out of service June 28, 
1865. 

Taylor, Alfred M. See sergeant. 

Taylor, Rop.krt W. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862 ; deserted 
from battery at Camp Mauran Oct. 22, 1862. 



FIRST R. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. 189 

Thompson, Richard. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; deserted 
from battery at Union Mills, Va , May 4, 1863. 

Thompson, Robert P. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862 ; deserted 
from battery at Camp Barry, D. C, Nov. 2, 1862. 

Thokxlev, Wilija.m H. Mustered Feb. 16, 1865 ; mus- 
tered out of service June 28, 1865. 

TdBix, Michael. Enrolled Sept. 3, 1862; deserted Sept. 

10, 1862. 
Todd, James \Y. Mustered Feb. 15, 1864; mustered out 

of service June 28, 1865. 

Tongue, Eben. Mustered Feb. 23, 1865 ; severely wounded 
at battle of Petersburg, Va., April 2, 1865; mustered 
out of service June 28, 1865. 

Tracy. P"rancis. Mustered Jan. 17, 1863; deserted from 
battery at Fairfax Station, Va., Feb. i, 1863. 

Tracy, Georoe E. See artificer. 

Trucksaes, Herman E. O. Mustered Oct. 14. 1862; de- 
serted from battery at Camp Barry, D. C , Dec. 16, 
1862. 

True, Elias R. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; deserted from 
battery at Camp Barry, D. C, Dec. 20, 1862. 

Tschamer, Baptiste. Mustered Oct.. 14, 1862 ; deserted 
from battery at Camp Barry, D. C, Nov. 22, 1862. 

Tully, John. Mustered Jan. 6, 1863 ; absent sick since 

April 14, 1863. 
Turner, Andrew. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; died Nov. 18, 

1863, at Hope Village, R. I. 



190 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, 

TwEEDALE, Charles. Mustered Jan. 15, 1864; transferred 
from Battery G ; mustered out of service June 28, 1865, 

TwEEDALE, William B. Mustered March 2, 1865 ; mus- 
tered out of service, June 28, 1865. 

Vallette, Gilbert P. Mustered March 8, 1865 ; mus- 
tered out of service, June 28, 1865. 

Vakney, Henry C. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; deserted from 
battery at Camp Barry, D. C, Nov. 2, 1862. 

Vaslett, Charles, Mustered Feb. 23, 1864; killed in bat- 
tle of Petersburg, Va., April 2, 1865. 

Vaughn, Albert A. JVIustered Feb. 28, 1865 ; mustered 
out of service June 28, 1865. 

Vaughn, Charles D. Mustered as private in Company C, 
First Rhode Island Detached Militia, May 2, 1861 ; 
mustered out at expiration of term of service Aug. 2, 
1 861 ; enlisted as private in Battery H, First Rhode 
Island Light Artillery, and mustered in Feb. 23, 1864; 
mustered out of service June 28, 1865. 

Venner, John F. Mustered Nov. 11, 1864; mustered out 
of service June 28, 1865. 

Vernon, George W, Mustered Jan. 17, 1863 ; deserted 
from battery at Fairfax Station, Va., Feb. 3, 1863. 

Vincent, Charles. Mustered P'eb. 18, 1864; mustered 
out of service June 28, 1865. 

Wade, James. Mustered Nov. 28, 1863 ; mustered out of 
service June 28, 1865. 



FIRST R. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. I9I 

Walden, Joseph, Jr. Mustered Feb. 20, 1865 ; mustered 
out of service June 28, 1865. 

Ward, George. Mustered Dec. 17, 1862; deserted from 

battery at Fairfax Station, Va , Jan. 24, 1863. 
Ward, JoHX. Mustered Feb. 24, 1864; mustered out of 

service June 28, 1865. 
Weiner, T. Felix. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862 ; deserted from 

battery at Camp Barry, D. C, Nov. 15, 1862. 
Wellmax, Hexry a. Mustered Oct. 14, 1S62; no further 

record of him. 
Wells, Albert. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; mustered out 

of service June 28, 1865. 
White, Reubex G. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; discharged 

Jan. 23, 1863, on surgeon's certificate. 

White, William H. Veteran ; mustered Feb. 23, 1864 ; 

mustered out of service June 28, 1865. 
Whitney, George. Mustered Oct. 15, 1862; transferred 

from Battery G ; deserted from Battery H at Camp 

Barry, D. C, Dec. 3, 1862. 

Williams, George. Mustered Jan. 19, 1863; deserted from 
battery at Fairfax Station, Va., Feb. 27, 1863. 

Williams, George A. Mustered Feb. 10, 1864; discharged 

May 30, 1864, on surgeon's certificate. 
WiLSOX, Charles. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; no further 

record of him. 
WiLSOx, Charles. Mustered Jan. 22, 1863; deserted from 

battery at Fairfax Station, Va., Feb. 2, 1863. 



192 HISTORY OF BATTERY H. 

Wilson, Charles. Mustered Feb. 25, 1864; deserted from 
battery at Camp Barry, Va., April 24, 1864; arrested 
as a deserter June 6, 1864; deserted from Fort Rich- 
ardson, Va., June 11, 1864. 

Wilson, George. Mu.stered Dec 24, 1862 ; deserted from 
battery at Fairfa.x Station, Va., Feb. 23, 1863. 

Wilson, James. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; deserted from 
battery at Camp Barry, D. C, Nov. 2, 1862. 

Wilson, James, 2d. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; deserted 
from battery at Camp Mauran, Oct. 19, 1862. 

Wilson, James J. Mustered Jan. i, 1863; deserted from 
battery at Fairfa.x Station, Va., Jan. 29, 1863. 

Wilson, John. Mustered Jan. 19, 1863; deserted from 
battery at Fairfax Station, Va., Feb. 6, 1863. 

Wood, James. Mustered Oct. 14, 1862; mustered out of 
service June 28, 1865. 

Woodward, Alden H. Mustered Oct. 23, 1863 ; mustered 
out of service June 28, 1865. 



Roll of Men Temporarily Attached 
TO Battery. 



[This roll is not complete, but we have inserted the names a,nd records 
of the attached men so far as obtainable.] 

Clifford, Thomas, Twelfth Vermont Infantry, from March 
1 6, 1863 ; absent sick in hospital at Alexandria, Va., as 
per regimental return, April 14, 1863. 

Ormsbee, William H., Thirteenth Infantry, from March 16, 
1863 ; absent sick in hospital at Alexandria, Va., since 
April 24, 1863 ; still in hospital June, 1863, as per reg- 
imental return. 

White, Luciax, Thirteenth Vermont Infantry, from March 
16, 1863 ; reported absent without leave since April 26, 
1863 ; still absent without leave May 26, 1863, as per 
regimental return. 

Connelly, J. C, Fourteenth Vermont Infantry, from March 
16, 1863 ; absent without leave since May 28, 1863 ; 
no further account of him as per regimental return 
June, 1863. 

Clark, I. T., Fifteenth Vermont Infantry, from March 16, 
1863 ; reported sick on regimental return April 14, 1863. 

Davis, Charles, Fifteenth Vermont Infantry, from March 
16, 1863, to July 10, 1863. 

13 



194 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, 

White, John D., Sixteenth Vermont Infantry, from March 
i6, 1863 ; badly hurt while on field drill at Chantilly, 
Va., June 12, 1863, being thrown on the pommel of his 
saddle, causing him to be ruptured. On the return of 
the battery to Camp Barry, June 26, 1863, he was sent 
to post hospital, remaining there until his regiment was 
mustered out of service, July 10, 1863. 

Abbott, James M., Fourteenth New York Heavy Artillery, 
from May 3, 1864, to Aug. 18, 1864. 

Arnold, James, Fourteenth New York Heavy Artillery, 
from May 3, 1864, to Aug. 18, 1864. 

AvERV, Palmer, Fourteenth New York Heavy Artillery, 
from May 3, 1864; reported sick in hospital since Aug. 
15, 1864, when he reported to battery, no date given ; 
reported as a deserter while on the march April 2, 
1865. 

Bacon, Charles D., Fourteenth New York Heavy Artillery, 
from May 3, 1864, to Aug. 18, 1864. 

Curtis, Frederick, Fourteenth New York Heavy Artillery, 
from May 3, 1864; absent sick in hospital at Alexan- 
dria, Va., until June, 1864, when he returned to battery ; 
returned to his regiment for muster-out Aug. 18, 1864. 

Decker, Alonzo, Fourteenth New York Heavy Artillery, 
from May 3, 1864, to Aug. 18. 1864. 

Degrane, Theodore, Fourteenth New York Heavy Artil- 
lery, from May 3, 1864, to Aug. 18, 1.864. 



FIRST R. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. 1 95 

Derby, Edwin B., Fourteenth New York Heavy Artillery, 
from May 3, 1864; absent sick in Emory Square Hos- 
pital since July 31, 1864; still in hospital September, 
1864; reported to battery February, 1865 ; reported as 
a deserter while battery was on the march to Burkes- 
ville Junction, Va., April 17, 1865. The record reads, 
went to hospital at City Point, Va., May 6, 1865, and 
died there. 

Gardner, Pkter, Fourteenth New York Heavy Artillery, 
from May 3, 1864, to Aug. 18, 1864. 

Hart, Thomas E., Fourteenth New York Heavy Artillery, 
from May 3, 1864; absent sick in hospital at Alexan- 
dria, Va., May 16, 1864. 

Hill, Gerritt S., Fourteenth New York Heavy Artillery, 
from May 3, 1864; killed on Telegraph Road, in front 
of Petersburg, Va., April 2, 1865, while the battery was 
under a very severe fire. 

Hill, Seelev F., Fourteenth New York Heavy Artillery, 
from May 3, 1864, to Aug. 18, 1864. 

Mettler, Charles, Fourteenth New York Heavy Artillery, 
from May 3, 1864 ; detailed as stretcher bearer at Artil- 
lery Brigade Headquarters, Sixth Army Corps, March 
9, 1865. 

Moss, Giles S., Fourteenth New York Heavy Artillery, 
from May 3, 1864, to Aug. 18, 1864, 

Murphy, John, Fourteenth New York Heavy Artillery, from 
May 3, 1864, to Aug. 18, 1864. 



196 HISTORY OF BATTERY H. 

Murphy, John B., Fourteenth New York Heavy Artillery, 
from May 3, 1864, to Aug. 18, 1864. 

O'Connor, John, Fourteenth New York Heavy Artillery, 
from May 3, 1864, to Aug. 18, 1864. 

Rafflesbanner, Christian, Fourteenth New York Heavy 
Artillery, from May 3, 1864, to Aug. 18, 1864. 

Slocum, John E., Fourteenth New York Heavy Artillery, 
from May 3, 1864, to Aug. 18, 1864. 

Slocum, Northrop, Fourteenth New York Heavy Artil- 
lery, from May 3, 1864; absent sick in hospital since 
June, 1864; no further record of him; supposed to be 
discharged. 

Starrs, John, Fourteenth New York Heavy Artillery, from 
May 3, 1864, to Aug. 18, 1864. 

Swartwout, James, Fourteenth New York Heavy Artil- 
lery, from May 3, 1864, to Aug. 18, 1864. 

Tanney, Duaxe, Fourteenth New York Heavy Artillery, 

from May 3, 1864, to Aug. 18, 1864. 
Tenney, Amos, Fourteenth New York Heavy Artillery, 

from May 3, 1864, to Aug. 18, 1864. 
Vroman, William, Fourteenth New York Heavy Artillery, 

from May 3, 1864, to Aug. 18, 1864. 



Mortuary Record. 



The muffled drum's sad roll has heat 

The soldier's last tattoo: 
No more on life's parade shall meet 

That brave and fallen few. 
On Fame's eternal camping-ground 

Their silent tents are spread, 
And glorv guards, with solemn rounc 

The bivouac of the dead." 



Captain. 
Crawford, Allen. Died May 7, 1894. 

First Lieutenan^ts. 

Webster, Clement L. Died Oct. 16, 1S64. 
Knight, Walter M. Died Oct. 16, 1874. 

Second Lieutenant. 
CoLWELL, Samuel G. Died in 1892. 

First Sergeant. 
Bonn, Charles E. Died in 1891. 

Ouartermaster=Sergeants. 

Allen, Albert F. Died April 19, 1873. 
Potter, Hezekl\h L. Died April 15, 1894. 



198 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, 

iSergeants. 

Carpenter, George P. Died March i, 1863. 
Sayles, Thomas W. Died since the war. 
Burlixgame, Franklin P. Died since the war. 
Gibson, Charles De Wolf. Died since the war. 
Carter, Benjamln. Died in 1868. 
Bennett, Gardner L. Died June, 1879. 

Corporals. 

Carev, Hiram A. Died in 1S73. 
Briggs, Isaac. Died in 1880. 
Randall, Job. Died since the war. 
RvAN, Marvin. Died since the war. 

Buglers. 

GoFF, Thomas P. Died Feb. 10, 1863. 
Cokeley, Robert H. Died Sept. 30, 1882. 
Stringer, Charles S. Died since the war. 

Artificers. 

Hodges, Edward F. Died since the war. 
Tracy, George E. Died Sept, i, 1863. 

Privates. 

Arnold, Henry N. Died in Camp Barry, Washington, 

D. C, Feb. 12, 1864. 
Barrv, William. Died since the war. 
Bishop, John. Died Oct, 19, 1883. 
Booth, James. Died in hospital near Fort Strong, Va., 

Oct. 12, 1864. 



FIRST R. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. 1 99 

Brown, Fraxcis A. Died since the war. 

Brown, Henry C. Died since the war. 

Brown, Willlvm S. Alias William S. Huntley. Died 

since the war. 
CosTELLO, James. Died since the war. 
Cross, George G. Died since the war. 
GKAHA^r, Michael. Killed by a railroad accident, August, 

1893. 
Grimes, Joseph. Died Aug. 7, 1892. 
Hayfield, Isaac F. Died since the war. 
Hunnewell William H. Died since the war. 
LiLLiBRiDGE, Jacoc L. Died since the war. 
Mahon, Thomas. Died since the war. 
Mantek, William G. Died in hospital at Fairfax Station, 

Va., Feb. 3. 1863. 
Phillips, John. Died in hospital at Fairfax Station, Va., 

March i, 1863. 
Phillips, Luther A. Died since the war. 
Reid, Uriah H. Died since the war. 
Simmons, Thomas E. Died since the war. 
Smith, Asahel. Died since the war. 
Smith, Elisha. Died since the war. 
Tweedale, Charles. Died since the war. 
Vallette, Gilbert P. Died since the war. 
White, William H. Died Feb. 21, 1894. 
Williams, George A. Died May 30, 1864. 



ADDENDA. 



• Throigh inadvertence the services rendered to the battery by Surgeon 
John H. Merrill have been omitted. He was appointed Assibtant Sur- 
geon First Rhode Island Light Artillery Regiment, Aug. 25, 1S62. 
He served with Battery H. for several months, and was afterwards 
on duty with the Artillery Brigade of the Second Corps. He was pro- 
moted to Surgeon April 6, 1863, and resigned March 16, 1864, in conse- 
quence of ill health. He w-as a kind and skillful surgeon, and universally 
beloved and respected by the officers and men. 



ERRATA. 



On page 7, Willard M. Hixon, should read William M. Hixon. 

On page 8, Edwin Northup, should read Edwin Northrop. 

On page 25, " Capt. John G. Hazard, chief of artillery on General De 

Russey's stati'," should read "Captain Howard on General De 

Russey's staft". 
On page 82, William Freeborn is reported as slightly wounded. This is 

an error in Captain Allen's report. It should read, "George W. 

Freeborn," and mention should be made of his being wounded in his 

record on page 176. Also his name should appear on page 93 as one 

of the men mustered out June 28, 1S65. 
On page 132, Corp. John P. Campbell's sketch reads: "born April, 

18^2," should read " 1S46." 
On page 169, " Camp Barry, Va.," should read " Camp Barry, D. C." 



Sergt. George Messinger's name should appear on page 94 as mustered 

out June 28, 1865. 
Lieut. Benjamin F. Child in the Index to Illustrations, page ix., should 

read Benjamin H. Child. 
Luther A. Phillips's name appears in the Mortuary Record as having died 

since the war. This is erroneous, as we have recently learned that 

he is still living. 



INDEX. 



INDEX. 



Abbott, Col. II. L., First Connecticut Ileavv Artillerv. 20, 21. :5. 2C>. 27, 

lOI. 

Abbott, James M., 194. 

Abbott, William, 6, 169. 

Abercrombie, Gen. John J., 16, 41, 44. 

Adams, George A., 93, 169. 

Adams, Capt. George W., Battery G, First Rhode Island Ligiit .\rtillery 

103, 104. 
Albertes, Charles, 6, 169. 
Alden, Warner, 6, 93, 137-138, 169. 
Alderwick, George, 6, 50, 93, 169. 
Aldrich, Frank A., 169. 
Alexander, Henry A., 6, 155, 169. 
Allen, Albert F.,"q^M. Sergt., 6, 89, 92, 164. 
Allen, Lieut. -Col. Crawford, Jr., 26, 27, 51, 67, 79, St, 82, 89, 92, 102-104, 

107, 113, ,123, 136, 159, 197. 
Allen, Samuel T., 6, 93, 16S. 
Allison, Leon, 6, 51, 93, 134-135, 168. 
Anderson, Gen. R. H. (C. S. A.), 38, 39, 70, 71, 72. 
Anthony, Senator Henr\ B., 12. 
Arnold, Gideon W., 6, 67, 82, 93, 169. 
Arnold, Henry N., 6, 31, 169, 19S. 
Arnold, Henry O., 6, 93, 169. 
Arnold, James, 194. 
Auger, Gen. Christopher G., 30. 
Avery, Palmer, 194. 
Ayres, Gen. Romeyne B., 58. 

Bacon, Charles D., 194. 

Balch, Col. Joseph, 2. 

Balcom, Sergt. Orville. 6, 93, 150, 166, 167, 169 

Bannon, Robert. 169. 



204 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, 

Barrv. John, 93, 170. 

Banj, Michael, 82, 93, 170. 

Barrv, William, 93, 170, 19S. 

Barry, Gen. William F., 19, 20, 27, 30, ^2. 

Begley, Michael, 93, 170. 

Belain, Edward, 170. 

Bean, Asa S., 93, 170. 

Bell, Peter, 170. 

Bellows, Jay G., 6, 170. 

Benham, Gen. H. W., 51. 

Bennett, Sergt. Gardner L., 6, 92, 165, 170, 19S. 

Bingb.am, Henry, 170. 

Bingham, Joseph, 6, 170. 

Bishop, John, 93, 170, 19S. 

Blabon, George R., 93, 170. 

Blair, Lieut. George W., 17, loS-iio, 160. 

Blessington, Edward M , 171. 

Bonhelt, Earl, 171. 

Bonn, Lieut. Charles E., 5, 25, 36, 163, 166, 199. 

Booth, James, 6, 51, 171, 19S. 

Botts, Hon. John Minor, 17. 

Bouden, Charles FL, 171. 

Bowen, William J., 6. 171. 

Bowers, Col. T. S., 68. 

Boyer, Corp, William, 167, 171. 

Brown, Capt. Thos. Fred., 114. 

Brady, Henry, 6, 171. 

Brahanny, William, 171. 

Briggs, Horace C, 6, 93, 155-156, 171. 

Briggs, Corp. Isaac, 6, 92, 167, 171, 19S. 

Brown, Charles, 6, 171. 

Brown, Francis A., 6, 93, 171, 199. 

Brown, George W., 6, 171. 

Brown, Corp. Henry C, 5, 166, 199. 

Brown, Thomas, 172. 

Brown, William S , 6, 93, 172, 199. 

Buckley, Capt. William \V., 48, no 

Burlingame, Sergt. Franklin P., 5, 89, 164, 19S. 

Burnside, Gen. Ambrose E , 9, 7,2, t,-^, 34, 37, 41, 42, 43, 48. 

Butler, Gen. Benjamin F., 38. 

Butterfield, Francis H., 6, 93, 172. 

Butts, Horace R., 93, 172. 



FIRST R. I. LIGHT ARTILLKRV. 205 

Bvars, Joseph, 172. 
Bynis, Bernard, 93, 17J. 

Cahoone, James, 17J. 

Campbell, James, 6, 172. 

Campbell, First Sergt. John P., 5, 92, 125, 163, 164. 

Campbell, Corp. John P., 6, 67, 82, 92, 132-133, 167, 172. 

Carey, Corp. Hiram A., 6, 92, 166, 19S. 

Carlin, Michael, 171. 

Carman, Gilbert, 6, 172. 

Carman, Solomon, 6, 172. 

Carnel, Thomas, 172. 

Carpenter, Sergt. George P., 4, 5, 14. 164, 19S. 

Carriuh, Gen. Sumner, 34. 

Carter, Sergt. Benjamin, 6, 92, 165, 173, 19S. 

Carter, Thomas, 6, 66, 82, 168. 

Casey, Gen. Silas, 13, 25. 

Caswell, Joseph, 93, 173. 

Chase, Lieut. James E., 114. 

Chase, Lorin R., 6, 173. 

Chapman, Cornelius, 93, 173. 

Cheever, Sergt. Emulous A., 6, 93, 126-127, 165, 166, 173. 

Cheney, Moses B., 93, 173, 

Child, Lieut. Benjamin II., 111-115, 161. 

Child, First Sergt. William D., Battery A, First Rhode Island Light 

Artillery, 1 14. 
Clark, I. T., 193, 
Clarke, George, 173. 
Clifford, Thomas, 193. 
Close, Soloinon, 93, 138-144, 173. 
Coffee, Daniel, 93, 173. 
Coffee, William, 173. 
Cokeley, Robert H., 168, 173, 199. 
Cohvell, Sergt. Samuel G., 4, 5, 161, 164, 197. 
Connecticut troops mentioned : 

thirst Ileav}- Artillery, 20. 

Second Battery, 29, 30. 
Connelly, J. C, 193. 
Conner, Stephen II., 6, 93, 173. 
Cook, William C, 173. 
Cooper, William, 173. 
Copeland, Silas, 6, 174, 



206 HISTOKY OF BATTERY H, 

Corthell, Capt. Elmer L., no, i6i. 

Costello, James, 174, 199. 

Cowan, Maj: Andrew, 45, S2, 104. 

Crandall, James B. B., 6, 174. 

Crawford, Gen. Samuel W., 58. 

Crittenden, Hon. John J., 17. 

Crogan, Corp. Michael, 6, 92, 167, 174. 

Crook, Gen. George, 70, 71, 73. 

Crovvell, Charles, 174. 

Curtis, P^-ederick, 194. 

Cushman, William, 174. 

Custer, Gen. George A., 71, 75, 76. 

Cutting, Erastus, 93, 174. 

Dailey, Patrick, 93, 174. 

Damon, Charles H., 174. 

Davis, Charles, 193. 

Davis, President Jefferson (C. S. A.), 60. 

Dawley,j Franklin W., 31, 93, 174. 

Dawley, Reynolds, 6, 174. 

Dawson, Frank, 93, 16S, 174. 

Decker, Alonzo, 194. 

Dee, Charles, 6, 174. 

Degrane, Theodore, 194. 

Deney, Emil, 7, 175. 

Derby, Edwin B., 195. 

De Russy,-Gen. Gustavus A., 24, 25, 27, 48. 

Devin, Gen. Thomas C, 71. 

Dickson, William, 7, 17;;. 

Dolan, Thomas, 175. 

Dolloff, Corp. Wellington P., 5, 166. 

Doramus, Robert H., 175. 

Dougherty, Charles, 7, 93, 17:;. 

Drown, William, 7, 175. 

Dunn, Robert, 93, 175. 

Early, Gen. Jubal (C. S. A.), 46, 65. 

Easterday, Christian, 7, 93, 175. 

Edwards, Capt. John, Jr. (.\rtillery Reserve), 38. 

Ellison, Charles J., 7, 93, 175. 

Ellsworth, William, 7, 175. 

Engley, Corp. James C, 6, 166. 



FIRST R. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. 207 

Evans, John, 93, 163, 175. 

Ewell, Gen. Richard S. (C. S. A.), 70, 87. 

Farrell, Joseph, 7, 175. 

Farrell, Patrick, 93, 175. 

Fay, Tiiomas, 176. 

Fenner, Corp. Earl, 7, 19. 50, 89, 92, 127-130, 167. 168. 176. 

Ferguson, John, 7, 176. 

P'errero, Gen. Edward, 34. 

Fitton, Joseph, 7, 176. 

Fitz Maurice, Charles, 176. 

Flannigan, Peter, 176. 

Floyd, Horace F., 7, 67, 93, 135-137- 176. 

Flynn, Thomas P., 7, 176. 

Foster, Gen. John G., 42, 43. 

Foster, Richard, 7, 176. 

Fox, Michael, 7, 93, 176. 

Fox, Peter, 93, 176. 

Freeborn, George W., 67, 82, 144. 176. 

Gardner, Peter, 93, 176. 

Gardner, Peter, 195. 

Getty, Gen. George W., 66, 72. 

Gibbon, Gen. John, 75. 

Gibson, Sergt. Charles De Wolf. 5. 165. 19S. 

Gilbert, William G., 93. 176. 

Gilleland, Corp. Alexander, 7, 92, 167, 177. 

Gillmore, Gen. Qjiincy A., 43. 

Gladding, James M., 93, 177. 

Goetz, William, 177. 

Goff, Thomas J., 6, 14, 16S, 19S. 

Gongradv, Julius, 177. 

Goodrich, Sydney A., 93, 145. 177, 

Gordon, Gen. John B. (C. S. A.). 60. 76. 

Gould, Lewis, 7, 177. 

Graham, Michael, 93, 177, 199. 

Grant, Gen. U. S., ^;^, 37, 38, 40, 47, 48, -i^, 62, 65, 66, 68, 69. 71. 72. 74, 

75> 7'J' 77' 78' 80. 
Gra\', John A., 6, 93, 145-146, 177. 199. 
Green, Charles, 7, 177. 
Gregg, Gen. David McG., 58, 73. 
Grimes, Joseph, 7, 177, 199. 



208 HISTORY OF BATTERY 11, 

Hall, Henry, 7, 177. 

Hall, James, 7, 177. 

Hall, Lieut. -Col. James A., 29, 30. 

Hamilton, John E., 177. 

Hamilton, William, 178. 

Hamlin, Capt. Charles H. J., 3, 100. 159. 

Hammond, Daniel A., 7, 178. 

Hancock, Gen. Winfield S., 37. 

Haradon, George W., 93, 146, 178. 

Hardon, Rufus P., 7, 94, 178. 

Harris, Edward, 7, 17S. 

Hart, John, 7, 178. 

Hart, Thomas, 94, 17S. 

HaVt, Thomas E., 195. 

Hartranft, Gen. John F., 61. 

Haskins, Amos H., 94, 178. 

Haskins, John, 178. 

Hayfield, Isaac F., 7, 50, 94, 17S, 199. 

Hay field, James F., 7, 94, 17S. 

Hazard, Capt. Jeffrey, 4, 5, 16, 17, 19, 20, 22, 25, 26, 27, 99-101, 103, 107, 

159- 
Hazard, Gen. John G., 25, 99. 
Hazelton, Andrew, 94, 178. 
Heckman, David, 94, 178. 
Heintzelman, Gen. Samuel P., 24. 
Higgins, John, 7, 94, 179. 
Hill, Gen. A. P. (C. S. A.), 24. 
Hill, Gerritt S., 66, 82, 195. 
Hill, John S., 179. 
Hill, Seelev F., 195. 
Hixon, William M., 7, 94, 179. 
Hoar, Lieut. Allen, 92, i6o. 
Hodges, Edward F., 179, 19S. 
Holmes, Albert, 179. 
Hooker, Gen. Joseph, 15, 16, 21. 
Horton, Lieut. Anthony B., 56, 59, 60, 92, 115, 162. 
Hoyvard, Albert E., 7, 179. 
Howard, Henry I., 94, 179. 
Howard, William E., 7, 94, 179. 
Howe, Gen. A. P., j2. 
Hoyve, Charles W., 94, 179. 
Hudson, George, 179. 



FIRST K. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. 2O9 

Humphrey's, Gen. Andrew A., 5S, 65, 67. 
Ilunnewell, William 11. , 7, 179, 199. 
Hunt, Gen. IIenr\J., 19, jo, 48. 
Hunter, Gen. David, 43. 

Ingraliam, Maitin ()., 7, 179. 

Jack, Robert, 7, 94, 179. 

Jackson, Rowland. 7, 94, iSo. 

Jason, William, iSo. 

Johnson, President Andrew, 86, 88. 

Johnson, Edwin C., 7, 94, 180. 

Johnston, Gen. Joseph E. (C. S. A.), ^;^, 69, S3, 84. 

Jones, Charles, iSo. 

Jones, William, 7, 180. 

Keenan, Patrick, 7, i8o. 

Kennedy, John, 94, 180. 

Kent, Joseph, iSo. 

Kettelle, John B. F., 94, iSo. 

King, Frederick, 180. 

Knight, Lieut. Walter M., 92, 160, 161, 197. 

Knowles, Henry L, 94, 180. 

Knowles, Lucian B., iSo. 

Lagenusse, Jules, 7, 180. 

Laugherty, Robert, 94, 181. 

Lawton, Edward N., 94, 147, iSi. 

Leach, George T., iSi. 

Lee, Gen. Fitz Hugh, 27. 

Lee, Gen. Robert E. (C. S. A.), 18, 21, 24, 37, 38, 46, 60, 69, 71, 72, 73, 

74' 7.S' 76, 77. 78. 79' 80, 81, 83, 103, 104. 
Leonard, John, 7, 94, 181. 
Lewis, Franklin, 7, 181. 
Lewis, Lieut. George, 1 17-119, 162. 
Lewis, Sergt. Jacob B., 4, 5, 163. 
Lewis, John, 94, 181. 
Lillibridge, Jacob L., 94, 181, 199. 
Lincoln, President Abraham, 17, 28, 29, 30, ^2, 34, 45, 50, 61, 69, 72, 74, 

81. 
Lofts, Thomas J., 31, 181. 
Logan, Matthew, 181. 

Longstreet, Gen. James (C. S. A.), 24, 38, 70, 72, 76. 
14 



2IO HISTORY OF BATTERY H, 

Lovely, Judson, 7, iSi. 
Lucas, Albert B., 94, iSi. 

Mackenzie, Gen. Ronald S., 63. 
Mahon, Thomas, 7, 94, 181. 
ISLahon, William, 7, 1S2, 199. 
Maine, Gershom P., 7, 1S2, 
Maine troops mentioned : 

Second Battery, 12, 29, 30, 31, 43. 

Twenty-fifth Infantry, 17, 18, 22. 

Twenty-seventh Infantry, 17, 18. 
Manter, William G., 7, 14, 182, 199. 
Marsh, Charles P., 6, 168. 
Martin, Thomas H., 94, 182. 

Mason, Lieut. Charles F., 2^, 26, 100, 106-107, 160. 
Mason, James, 7, 182. 
Massachusetts troops mentioned : 

Seventh Battery, 29. 

Eleventh Battery, 43. 

Twenty-fourth Infantry, 42. 
Mathey, Ernest A., 7, 182. 
Mauran, Gen. Edward C, 3, 82, 91. 
Maurin, Patrick, 7, 182. 
McAllister, Col. Robert, 58. 
McAnery, James, 7, 182. 
McCabe^ John, 182. 
McCan, Barney, 7, 182, 
McClellan, Gen. George B., 9. 
McComb, William, 94, 182. 
McDonough, James, 7, 182. 
McDonough, John, 182. 
McGuiie, Bernard, 94, 183. 
McMann, William, 1S3 
McPartland, Matthew, 7, 183. 
McPratt, John, 183. 

Meade, Gen. George G., 21, 2^, 60, 61, 66, 68, 76, 86. 
Mellor, William II., 7, 1S3. 
Merrill, Asa T., 7, 183. 
Merrills, Henry, 94, 183. 
Merritt, Gen. Wesley, 70, 71. 

Messinger, First Sergt. George, 4, 5, 120-123, 163. 
Mettler, Charles, 195. 



FIRST R. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. 211 

Miles, Gen. Nelson A., 68. 

Millard, Charles E., 31, 94, 1S3. 

Mitchell, John, 183. 

Monroe, Lieut.-Col. J. AUieit, Fiist Riiodc li^laiui Light Artillorv, 13, 29. 

Moore, John, 7, 1S3. 

Moss, Giles S., 195. 

Mott, Gen. Gershom, 58. 

Murphy, Bartlett, 8, 183. 

Murphy, Daniel, 94, 1S3. 

Murpl)y, John, 195. 

Murphy, John B., 196. 

Murphy, Patrick, 183. 

Murray, Michael, 183. 

Nelson, John, 8, 184. 

New Jersey troops mentioneii : 

Third I^attery, 12, 31, 43, 45. 

Fourtli Battery, 29, 30. 

Fifth Batter_\-, 29, 30. 
Newman, John C, 94, 184. 
New "^'ork troops mentioned : 

Fourteentli Artillery, 36, 49, 66. 

Nineteenth Battery, 29, 30. 

Twenty-second Battery, 43. 

Thirty-third Battery, 29, 30. 

One Hundred and Seventy-eiglitli LTfantrv, 22. 
Northrop, Edwin, 8, 94, 147-149, 184. 
Noyes, Corp. Isaac P., 8, 94, 167, 184. 
Nute, Edwin, 184. 

Ochee, Corp. llurbert, 31. 92, 167, 184. 
O'Connors, Thomas, 94, 184. 
Ohio troops mentioned : 

One Hundred and Sixty-fourtli Infantry, 49. 
O'Neil, William, 1S4. 

Ord, Gen. Edward O. C, 65, 67, 68, 74, 76. 
Ormsbee, William IL, 193. 
O'Rourke, John, 184. 
Owen, Capt. Charles D., Batters CJ, First Rhode Island Light .Vrtillery, 

102. 
Owen, Sergt. Esek S., 5, 66, 82, 92, 126, 165. , 



2 12 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, 

Packard, George W., 94, 184. 

Parke, Gen. John G., 60, 61, 65, 66. 

Paul, Corp. Franklin E., 8, 92, 130-131, 167, 184. 

Pearsons, John, 94, 184. 

Peck, Allen G., 8, 1S4. 

Peck, William, S, 184. 

Pennsylvania troops mentioned : 

First Battery, 29, 30. 
Perrin, Lieut. William S., 114. 
Phillips, Henry A., 8, 1S4. 
Pliillips, John, 8, 14, 185, 199. 
Phillips, Luther A., 8, 94, 185, 199. 
Phinney, Henry, 185. 
Phinney, Thomas R., 8, 185. 
Pickett, Gen. George E. (C. S. A.), 13, 24, 112. 
Pierpoint, Thomas, 8, 1S5. 
Pitts, George H., 94, 185. 
Pleasanton, Gen. Alfred, 18. 

Potter, Lieut. Hezekiah, 8, 124-125, 164, iSi;, 197. 
Potter, Leonard L., 8, 1S5. 
Powers, John, 8, 1S5. 
Poyheren, Robert, 8, 185. 
Pratt, John M., 185. 
Price, Ellery W., 94, 1S5. 
Providence Marine Society, i. 
Providence Marine Artillery. 2. 



Rafflesbanncr, Cliristian, 196- 
Randall, Corp. Job, 8, 92, 167, 1S5, 198. 
Read, William H., 8, 94, 1S5. 
Rearey, James, 94, 186. 
Regular troops mentioned : 

Third Artillery (Gitting's), 48. 

Second Infantr\-, 65. 

Thirty-ninth Infantry, 65. 
Reid, Thomas, 8. 
Reid, Uriah II., 8, 186, 199. 
Reid, William H., 8, 186. 
Rhode Island troops mentioned : 

Third Heavy Artillery, 105. 

First Rhode Island Light H.Uterv, 108. 



FIRST R, I. LIGHT ARTILLERY, 21 3 

Rhode Island troops mentioned : 

Batten A, First Rhode Island LiLjht Artillerv, 4, 26, 99, 107, no, 112, 
114, 120, 121. 

Battery B, First Rliode Island Ligiit Artillery, 108, 114, 115. 

Batteiy C, First Riiode Island Light Artillery, 128. 

Battery D, First Rhode Island Light Artillery, 36, 43, 48, no. 

Battery E, First Rhode Island Light Artillery, 118, 119, 122. 

Battery F, First Rhode Island Light Artillery, no. 

Battery G, First Rhode Island Light Artillery, 3, 26, 27, 43, 91, 102, 
103, 116, 1 17. 

Fiist Rhode Island Ca\alr\-, 43, 45. 

First Rhode Island Detached Militia, 12, 32, n7. 

Second Rhode Island Infant)\ , d-^. 

Twelfth Rhode Island Infantry, 4 100. 
Rhodes, Sergt. James H., 5, 92, 165, 166. 
Riley, Sylvester, 8, 1S6. 
Ryan, Cornelius, 8, 94, 1S6. 
Ryan, John, 186. 

R\an, Corp. Marvin, 92, 167, 186, 198. 
Ryan, William. 8, 186. 

Salas, Joseph, 186. 

Sampson, John A., 8, 50, 94, 186. 

Sayles, Sergt. Thomas W., 4, 5, 164, 19S. 

Schanck, Aaron B., 8, 94. 186. 

Sedgwick, Gen. John, 16, 39, 40, 63. 

Seekell, Sergt. ApoUos, 31, 92, 165, 186. 

Seymour, Gen. Truman, 71. 

Sheffield, Josiah, 31, 94. 186. 

Sheridan, Gen. Philip H.. 62. r)^, 64, 66, 67, 68. 69, 70, 71, 73, 74. 7:^, 76, 

83- S4. 
Sherman, Gen. William T., 59, 69, 83, 86. 
Simmons, Paul, 186. 
Simmons, Thomas E., 8, 187, 199. 
Slocum, John E., 196. 

Slocum, Col. John S., 64. ^ 

Slocum, Northrop, 196. 
Smith, Asahael, 8, 187, 199. 
Smith, Charles, 8, 187. 
Smith, Elisha, 8, 187, 199. 
Smith, Frederick A., 8, 94, 187. 
Smith, George II., 8, 94, 187. 
Smith, James, 8, 187. 



2 14 HISTORY OF BATTERY H, 

Smith, Gov. James Y., 112. 

Smith, John, 8, 1S7. 

Sinitli, Sergt. Thomas, 8, 92, 165, 1S7. 

Smith, William H., 8, 187. 

Smvthe, Gen. Thomas A., 58. 

Snell, Otis P., 8, 94, 150-151, 187. 

Spencer, Edward, 187. 

Spencer, Lieut. Gideon, 114. 

Sprague, Cliaries, S, 94, 1S7. 

Sprague, Gov. William, 2, 4, 105, 106. 

Springer, Corp. William H , S, 92, 166, 18S. 

Stafford, Levi, 94, iSS. 

Stagg, Col. Peter, 71. 

Stannard, Gen. George, 13, 14. 

Stalks, John, 196. 

Steinhauer, Lieut. Kirbj, 3, 4, 5, 161. 

Stevens, Gen. Isaac I., ^^. 

Stevens, Q^ M. Sergt. Jenckes B., 5, 163. 

Stevenson, Gen. Thomas G., 34, 41, 42. 

Stewart, William P., 188. 

Stone, William H., 31, 50, 67, 82, 94, 18S. 

Stringer, Charles S., 8, 93, 168, 188, 198. 

Sullivan, Dennis, 188. 

Sullivan, Patrick, 188. 

Sumnei", Senator Charles, 12. 

Sumner, Gen. Edwin V., 112. 

Swartwout, James, 196. 

Sweeney, Edward, 31, 18S. 

Taber, Otis, 94, 18S. 

Taft, John, 94, 151, 188. 

Tanney, Duane, 196. 

Tasker, William H., 94, 152, 18S. 

Taylor, Sergt. Alfred M., 8, 165, iSS. 

'Jaylor, Robert W., 8, 1S8. 

Tenney, Amos, 196. 

Thain, Corp. Gilbert Mortimer, 6, 166. 

Thompson, Richard, 8, 1S9. 

Thompson, Robert P., 8, 189. 

Thornley, William II., 94, 189. 

Tobin, Michael, 8, 1S9. 

Todd, James W., 94, 189. 

Tompkins, Gen. Charles II., 100, 107. 



FIRST R. I. LIGHT ARTILLERY. ' 215 



Tongue, Eben, 66, S2, 94, iSy. 

Tracy, Francis, 1S9. 

Tracy, George E., S, 26, 16S, i8y, 19S. 

Trucksaes, Herman E. O., 8, 1S9. 

True, Elias R., 8, 189. 

Tschanier, Baptiste, 8, 189. 

TuUy, John, 189. 

Turner, Andrew, 8, 27, 189. 

Tweedale, Charles, 31, 67, 95, 190, 199. 

Tweedale, William B., 95, 190. 

LTnited States troops mentioned : 
Third Artillery (Gitting's), 48. 
Second Infantry, 65. 
Thirtj'-ninth Infantry, 65. 

Vallette, Gilbert P., 95, 190, 199. 
Varney, Henry C, 8, 190. 
Vaslett, Charles, 66, 82, 190. 
Vaughn, Albert A., 95, 190. 
\'aughn, Charles D., 95, 153. 190. 
Venner, John F., 95, 190. 
Vermont troops mentioned : 

Second Infantry, 13. 

Ninth Infantry, 13. 

Twelfth Infantry, 16, 100, 

Sixteenth Infantr\', iS. 
Vernon, George W., 190. 
Vincent, Charles, 95, 190. 
Vroman, William, 196. 

Wade, James, 95, 190. 

Wadsworth, Gen. James S., 37. 

Walden, Joseph, Jr., 95, 191. 

Ward, George, 191. 

Ward, John, 95, 191. 

Warren, Gen. Gouverneur K., 37, 39. 

Washington, Gen. George, 80. 

Webster, Lieut. Clement, 5, 105-106, 160, 197. 

Weiner, T. Felix, 8, 191. 

Wellman, Henry A., 8, 191. 

Wells, Albert, 8, 153-154, 191- 

Westcott, George H., 117. 



2l6 • HISTORY OF BATTERY H. 

Westcott, Gilbert O., 117. 

Westcott, Lieut. William !>., 116-117, 162. 

Wlieaton, Dr. Francis L., 63. 

Wheaton, Gen. Frank, 59, 63, 64,65, 66, 67, 71, 79, 104. 

White, John D., iS, 194. 

White, Lucian, 193. 

White, Reuben G., 8, 191. 

White, William II., 95, 191, 199. 

Whitney, George, 191. 

Whittlesey, Major C. II., Assistant Adjutant-General Artillery Reserve, 

49, 67, 104. 
Williams, George, 191. 
Williams, George A., 31, 191, 199. 
Wilson, Charles, 8, 191, 
Wilson, Charles, 191. 
Wilson, Chailes, 192. 
Wilson, George, 192. 
Wilson, Senator IIenr\-, 12. 
Wilson, James, 8, 192. 
Wilson, James, 2d, 8, 192. 
Wilson, James J., 192. 
Wilson, John, 192. 
Woodbury, Rev. Augustus, ^1, 41. 
Wood, James, 8, 95, 192. 
Woodley, George F., 90. 
Woodward, Alden H., 95, 192. 
Wright, Gen. Horatio G., 63, 65, 67, 71. 



